Polly Anna

Pollyanna
By Eleanor H. Porter
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TO My Cousin Belle
Pollyanna
CHAPTER I. MISS POLLY
iss Polly Harrington entered her kitchen a little hurriedly this June morning. Miss Polly did not usually make hurried movements; she specially prided herself on her repose of manner. But to-day she was hurryingactually hurrying. Nancy, washing dishes at the sink, looked up in surprise. Nancy had been working in Miss Pollys kitchen only two months, but already she knew that her mistress did not usually hurry. Nancy! Yes, maam. Nancy answered cheerfully, but she still continued wiping the pitcher in her hand. Nancy,Miss Pollys voice was very stern nowwhen Im talking to you, I wish you to stop your work and listen to what I have to say. Nancy flushed miserably. She set the pitcher down at once, with the cloth still about it, thereby nearly tipping it overwhich did not add to her composure. Yes, maam; I will, maam, she stammered, righting the pitcher, and turning hastily. I was only keepin on with my work cause you specially told me this mornin ter hurry with my dishes, ye know. Her mistress frowned. That will do, Nancy. I did not ask for explanations. I
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asked for your attention. Yes, maam. Nancy stifled a sigh. She was wondering if ever in any way she could please this woman. Nancy had never worked out before; but a sick mother suddenly widowed and left with three younger children besides Nancy herself, had forced the girl into doing something toward their support, and she had been so pleased when she found a place in the kitchen of the great house on the hillNancy had come from The Corners, six miles away, and she knew Miss Polly Harrington only as the mistress of the old Harrington homestead, and one of the wealthiest residents of the town. That was two months before. She knew Miss Polly now as a stern, severe-faced woman who frowned if a knife clattered to the floor, or if a door bangedbut who never thought to smile even when knives and doors were still. When youve finished your morning work, Nancy, Miss Polly was saying now, you may clear the little room at the head of the stairs in the attic, and make up the cot bed. Sweep the room and clean it, of course, after you clear out the trunks and boxes. Yes, maam. And where shall I put the things, please, that I take out? In the front attic. Miss Polly hesitated, then went on: I suppose I may as well tell you now, Nancy. My niece, Miss Pollyanna Whittier, is coming to live with me. She is eleven years old, and will sleep in that room. A little girlcoming here, Miss Harrington? Oh, wont that be nice! cried Nancy, thinking of the sunshine her own little sisters made in the home at The Corners.
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Nice? Well, that isnt exactly the word I should use, rejoined Miss Polly, stiffly. However, I intend to make the best of it, of course. I am a good woman, I hope; and I know my duty. Nancy colored hotly. Of course, maam; it was only that I thought a little girl here mightmight brighten things up for you, she faltered. Thank you, rejoined the lady, dryly. I cant say, however, that I see any immediate need for that. But, of course, youyoud want her, your sisters child, ventured Nancy, vaguely feeling that somehow she must prepare a welcome for this lonely little stranger. Miss Polly lifted her chin haughtily. Well, really, Nancy, just because I happened to have a sister who was silly enough to marry and bring unnecessary children into a world that was already quite full enough, I cant see how I should particularly WANT to have the care of them myself. However, as I said before, I hope I know my duty. See that you clean the corners, Nancy, she finished sharply, as she left the room. Yes, maam, sighed Nancy, picking up the half-dried pitchernow so cold it must be rinsed again. In her own room, Miss Polly took out once more the letter which she had received two days before from the faraway Western town, and which had been so unpleasant a surprise to her. The letter was addressed to Miss Polly Harrington, Beldingsville, Vermont; and it read as follows: Dear Madam:I regret to inform you that the Rev. John
Whittier died two weeks ago, leaving one child, a girl eleven years old. He left practically nothing else save a few books; for, as you doubtless know, he was the pastor of this small mission church, and had a very meagre salary. I believe he was your deceased sisters husband, but he gave me to understand the families were not on the best of terms. He thought, however, that for your sisters sake you might wish to take the child and bring her up among her own people in the East. Hence I am writing to you. The little girl will be all ready to start by the time you get this letter; and if you can take her, we would appreciate it very much if you would write that she might come at once, as there is a man and his wife here who are going East very soon, and they would take her with them to Boston, and put her on the Beldingsville train. Of course you would be notified what day and train to expect Pollyanna on. Pollyanna Hoping to hear favorably from you soon, I remain, Respectfully yours, Jeremiah O. White. With a frown Miss Polly folded the letter and tucked it into its envelope. She had answered it the day before, and she had said she would take the child, of course. She HOPED she knew her duty well enough for that!disagreeable as the task would be. As she sat now, with the letter in her hands, her thoughts went back to her sister, Jennie, who had been this childs mother, and to the time when Jennie, as a girl of twenty, had insisted upon marrying the young minister, in spite of her familys remonstrances. There had been a man of wealth who had wanted herand the family had much preferred
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him to the minister; but Jennie had not. The man of wealth had more years, as well as more money, to his credit, while the minister had only a young head full of youths ideals and enthusiasm, and a heart full of love. Jennie had preferred thesequite naturally, perhaps; so she had married the minister, and had gone south with him as a home missionarys wife. The break had come then. Miss Polly remembered it well, though she had been but a girl of fifteen, the youngest, at the time. The family had had little more to do with the missionarys wife. To be sure, Jennie herself had written, for a time, and had named her last baby Pollyanna for her two sisters, Polly and Annathe other babies had all died. This had been the last time that Jennie had written; and in a few years there had come the news of her death, told in a short, but heart-broken little note from the minister himself, dated at a little town in the West. Meanwhile, time had not stood still for the occupants of the great house on the hill. Miss Polly, looking out at the far-reaching valley below, thought of the changes those twenty-five years had brought to her. She was forty now, and quite alone in the world. Father, mother, sistersall were dead. For years, now, she had been sole mistress of the house and of the thousands left her by her father. There were people who had openly pitied her lonely life, and who had urged her to have some friend or companion to live with her; but she had not welcomed either their sympathy or their advice. She was not lonely, she said. She liked being by herself. She preferred quiet. But
now Miss Polly rose with frowning face and closely-shut lips. She was glad, of course, that she was a good woman, and that she not only knew her duty, but had sufficient strength of character to perform it. ButPOLLYANNA!what a ridiculous name!
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CHAPTER II. OLD TOM AND NANCY
n the little attic room Nancy swept and scrubbed vigorously, paying particular attention to the corners. There were times, indeed, when the vigor she put into her work was more of a relief to her feelings than it was an ardor to efface dirtNancy, in spite of her frightened submission to her mistress, was no saint. IjustwishI coulddigout the cornersof hersoul! she muttered jerkily, punctuating her words with murderous jabs of her pointed cleaning-stick. Theres plenty of em needs cleanin all right, all right! The idea of stickin that blessed child way off up here in this hot little roomwith no fire in the winter, too, and all this big house ter pick and choose from! Unnecessary children, indeed! Humph! snapped Nancy, wringing her rag so hard her fingers ached from the strain; I guess it aint CHILDREN what is MOST unnecessary just now, just now! For some time she worked in silence; then, her task finished, she looked about the bare little room in plain disgust. Well, its donemy part, anyhow, she sighed. There aint no dirt hereand theres mighty little else. Poor little soul!a pretty place this is ter put a homesick, lonesome
child into! she finished, going out and closing the door with a bang, Oh! she ejaculated, biting her lip. Then, doggedly: Well, I dont care. I hope she did hear the bang,I do, I do! In the garden that afternoon, Nancy found a few minutes in which to interview Old Tom, who had pulled the weeds and shovelled the paths about the place for uncounted years. Mr. Tom, began Nancy, throwing a quick glance over her shoulder to make sure she was unobserved; did you know a little girl was comin here ter live with Miss Polly? Awhat? demanded the old man, straightening his bent back with difficulty. A little girlto live with Miss Polly. Go on with yer jokin, scoffed unbelieving Tom. Why dont ye tell me the sun is a-goin ter set in the east ter-morrer? But its true. She told me so herself, maintained Nancy. Its her niece; and shes eleven years old. The mans jaw fell. Sho!I wonder, now, he muttered; then a tender light came into his faded eyes. It aintbut it must beMiss Jennies little gal! There wasnt none of the rest of em married. Why, Nancy, it must be Miss Jennies little gal. Glory be ter praise! ter think of my old eyes a-seein this! Who was Miss Jennie? She was an angel straight out of Heaven, breathed the man, fervently; but the old master and missus knew her as their oldest daughter. She was twenty when she married
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and went away from here long years ago. Her babies all died, I heard, except the last one; and that must be the one whats a-comin. Shes eleven years old. Yes, she might be, nodded the old man. And shes goin ter sleep in the atticmore shame ter HER! scolded Nancy, with another glance over her shoulder toward the house behind her. Old Tom frowned. The next moment a curious smile curved his lips. Im a-wonderin what Miss Polly will do with a child in the house, he said. Humph! Well, Im a-wonderin what a child will do with Miss Polly in the house! snapped Nancy. The old man laughed. Im afraid you aint fond of Miss Polly, he grinned. As if ever anybody could be fond of her! scorned Nancy. Old Tom smiled oddly. He stooped and began to work again. I guess maybe you didnt know about Miss Pollys love affair, he said slowly. Love affairHER! No!and I guess nobody else didnt, neither. Oh, yes they did, nodded the old man. And the fellers livin ter-dayright in this town, too. Who is he? I aint a-tellin that. It aint fit that I should. The old man drew himself erect. In his dim blue eyes, as he faced the house, there was the loyal servants honest pride in the famFree eBooks at Planet eBook.com 11
ily he has served and loved for long years. But it dont seem possibleher and a lover, still maintained Nancy. Old Tom shook his head. You didnt know Miss Polly as I did, he argued. She used ter be real handsomeand she would be now, if shed let herself be. Handsome! Miss Polly! Yes. If shed just let that tight hair of hern all out loose and careless-like, as it used ter be, and wear the sort of bunnits with posies in em, and the kind o dresses all lace and white thingsyoud see shed be handsome! Miss Polly aint old, Nancy. Aint she, though? Well, then shes got an awfully good imitation of itshe has, she has! sniffed Nancy. Yes, I know. It begun thenat the time of the trouble with her lover, nodded Old Tom; and it seems as if shed been feedin on wormwood an thistles ever sinceshes that bitter an prickly ter deal with. I should say she was, declared Nancy, indignantly. Theres no pleasin her, nohow, no matter how you try! I wouldnt stay if twant for the wages and the folks at home whats needin em. But some daysome day I shall jest bile over; and when I do, of course itll be good-by Nancy for me. It will, it will. Old Tom shook his head. I know. Ive felt it. Its nartralbut taint best, child; taint best. Take my word for it, taint best. And again he bent his old head to the work before him.
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Nancy! called a sharp voice. Y-yes, maam, stammered Nancy; and hurried toward the house.
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CHAPTER III. THE COMING OF POLLYANNA

n due time came the telegram announcing that Pollyanna would arrive in Beldingsville the next day, the twentyfifth of June, at four oclock. Miss Polly read the telegram, frowned, then climbed the stairs to the attic room. She still frowned as she looked about her. The room contained a small bed, neatly made, two straight-backed chairs, a washstand, a bureauwithout any mirrorand a small table. There were no drapery curtains at the dormer windows, no pictures on the wall. All day the sun had been pouring down upon the roof, and the little room was like an oven for heat. As there were no screens, the windows had not been raised. A big fly was buzzing angrily at one of them now, up and down, up and down, trying to get out. Miss Polly killed the fly, swept it through the window (raising the sash an inch for the purpose), straightened a chair, frowned again, and left the room. Nancy, she said a few minutes later, at the kitchen door, I found a fly up-stairs in Miss Pollyannas room. The window must have been raised at some time. I have ordered screens, but until they come I shall expect you to see that the windows remain closed. My niece will arrive to-mor1 Pollyanna
row at four oclock. I desire you to meet her at the station. Timothy will take the open buggy and drive you over. The telegram says light hair, red-checked gingham dress, and straw hat. That is all I know, but I think it is sufficient for your purpose. Yes, maam; butyou Miss Polly evidently read the pause aright, for she frowned and said crisply: No, I shall not go. It is not necessary that I should, I think. That is all. And she turned awayMiss Pollys arrangements for the comfort of her niece, Pollyanna, were complete. In the kitchen, Nancy sent her flatiron with a vicious dig across the dish-towel she was ironing. Light hair, red-checked gingham dress, and straw hat all she knows, indeed! Well, Id be ashamed ter own it up, that I would, I wouldand her my onliest niece what was a-comin from way across the continent! Promptly at twenty minutes to four the next afternoon Timothy and Nancy drove off in the open buggy to meet the expected guest. Timothy was Old Toms son. It was sometimes said in the town that if Old Tom was Miss Pollys right-hand man, Timothy was her left. Timothy was a good-natured youth, and a good-looking one, as well. Short as had been Nancys stay at the house, the two were already good friends. To-day, however, Nancy was too full of her mission to be her usual talkative self; and almost in silence she took the drive to the station and alighted to wait for the train.
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Over and over in her mind she was saying it light hair, red-checked dress, straw hat. Over and over again she was wondering just what sort of child this Pollyanna was, anyway. I hope for her sake shes quiet and sensible, and dont drop knives nor bang doors, she sighed to Timothy, who had sauntered up to her. Well, if she aint, nobody knows whatll become of the rest of us, grinned Timothy. Imagine Miss Polly and a NOISY kid! Gorry! there goes the whistle now! Oh, Timothy, II think it was mean ter send me, chattered the suddenly frightened Nancy, as she turned and hurried to a point where she could best watch the passengers alight at the little station. It was not long before Nancy saw herthe slender little girl in the red-checked gingham with two fat braids of flaxen hair hanging down her back. Beneath the straw hat, an eager, freckled little face turned to the right and to the left, plainly searching for some one. Nancy knew the child at once, but not for some time could she control her shaking knees sufficiently to go to her. The little girl was standing quite by herself when Nancy finally did approach her. Are you MissPollyanna? she faltered. The next moment she found herself half smothered in the clasp of two gingham-clad arms. Oh, Im so glad, GLAD, GLAD to see you, cried an eager voice in her ear. Of course Im Pollyanna, and Im so glad you came to meet me! I hoped you would.
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Youyou did? stammered Nancy, vaguely wondering how Pollyanna could possibly have known herand wanted her. Youyou did? she repeated, trying to straighten her hat. Oh, yes; and Ive been wondering all the way here what you looked like, cried the little girl, dancing on her toes, and sweeping the embarrassed Nancy from head to foot, with her eyes. And now I know, and Im glad you look just like you do look. Nancy was relieved just then to have Timothy come up. Pollyannas words had been most confusing. This is Timothy. Maybe you have a trunk, she stammered. Yes, I have, nodded Pollyanna, importantly. Ive got a brand-new one. The Ladies Aid bought it for meand wasnt it lovely of them, when they wanted the carpet so? Of course I dont know how much red carpet a trunk could buy, but it ought to buy some, anyhowmuch as half an aisle, dont you think? Ive got a little thing here in my bag that Mr. Gray said was a check, and that I must give it to you before I could get my trunk. Mr. Gray is Mrs. Grays husband. Theyre cousins of Deacon Carrs wife. I came East with them, and theyre lovely! Andthere, here tis, she finished, producing the check after much fumbling in the bag she carried. Nancy drew a long breath. Instinctively she felt that some one had to draw oneafter that speech. Then she stole a glance at Timothy. Timothys eyes were studiously turned away.
The three were off at last, with Pollyannas trunk in behind, and Pollyanna herself snugly ensconced between Nancy and Timothy. During the whole process of getting started, the little girl had kept up an uninterrupted stream of comments and questions, until the somewhat dazed Nancy found herself quite out of breath trying to keep up with her. There! Isnt this lovely? Is it far? I hope tisI love to ride, sighed Pollyanna, as the wheels began to turn. Of course, if tisnt far, I shant mind, though, cause Ill be glad to get there all the sooner, you know. What a pretty street! I knew twas going to be pretty; father told me She stopped with a little choking breath. Nancy, looking at her apprehensively, saw that her small chin was quivering, and that her eyes were full of tears. In a moment, however, she hurried on, with a brave lifting of her head. Father told me all about it. He remembered. Andand I ought to have explained before. Mrs. Gray told me to, at onceabout this red gingham dress, you know, and why Im not in black. She said youd think twas queer. But there werent any black things in the last missionary barrel, only a ladys velvet basque which Deacon Carrs wife said wasnt suitable for me at all; besides, it had white spotsworn, you knowon both elbows, and some other places. Part of the Ladies Aid wanted to buy me a black dress and hat, but the other part thought the money ought to go toward the red carpet theyre trying to getfor the church, you know. Mrs. White said maybe it was just as well, anyway, for she didnt like children in blackthat is, I mean, she liked the chil1 Pollyanna
dren, of course, but not the black part. Pollyanna paused for breath, and Nancy managed to stammer: Well, Im sure ititll be all right. Im glad you feel that way. I do, too, nodded Pollyanna, again with that choking little breath. Of course, twould have been a good deal harder to be glad in black Glad! gasped Nancy, surprised into an interruption. Yesthat fathers gone to Heaven to be with mother and the rest of us, you know. He said I must be glad. But its been pretty hard toto do it, even in red gingham, because II wanted him, so; and I couldnt help feeling I OUGHT to have him, specially as mother and the rest have God and all the angels, while I didnt have anybody but the Ladies Aid. But now Im sure itll be easier because Ive got you, Aunt Polly. Im so glad Ive got you! Nancys aching sympathy for the poor little forlornness beside her turned suddenly into shocked terror. Oh, butbut youve made an awful mistake, d-dear, she faltered. Im only Nancy. I aint your Aunt Polly, at all! Youyou ARENT? stammered the little girl, in plain dismay. No. Im only Nancy. I never thought of your takin me for her. Wewe aint a bit alike we aint, we aint! Timothy chuckled softly; but Nancy was too disturbed to answer the merry flash from his eyes. But who ARE you? questioned Pollyanna. You dont look a bit like a Ladies Aider! Timothy laughed outright this time.
Im Nancy, the hired girl. I do all the work except the washin an hard ironin. Mis Durgin does that. But there IS an Aunt Polly? demanded the child, anxiously. You bet your life there is, cut in Timothy. Pollyanna relaxed visibly. Oh, thats all right, then. There was a moments silence, then she went on brightly: And do you know? Im glad, after all, that she didnt come to meet me; because now Ive got HER still coming, and Ive got you besides. Nancy flushed. Timothy turned to her with a quizzical smile. I call that a pretty slick compliment, he said. Why dont you thank the little lady? II was thinkin aboutMiss Polly, faltered Nancy. Pollyanna sighed contentedly. I was, too. Im so interested in her. You know shes all the aunt Ive got, and I didnt know I had her for ever so long. Then father told me. He said she lived in a lovely great big house way on top of a hill. She does. You can see it now, said Nancy. Its that big white one with the green blinds, way ahead. Oh, how pretty!and what a lot of trees and grass all around it! I never saw such a lot of green grass, seems so, all at once. Is my Aunt Polly rich, Nancy? Yes, Miss. Im so glad. It must be perfectly lovely to have lots of money. I never knew any one that did have, only the Whitestheyre some rich. They have carpets in every
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room and ice-cream Sundays. Does Aunt Polly have icecream Sundays? Nancy shook her head. Her lips twitched. She threw a merry look into Timothys eyes. No, Miss. Your aunt dont like ice-cream, I guess; leastways I never saw it on her table. Pollyannas face fell. Oh, doesnt she? Im so sorry! I dont see how she can help liking ice-cream. Butanyhow, I can be kinder glad about that, cause the ice-cream you dont eat cant make your stomach ache like Mrs. Whites didthat is, I ate hers, you know, lots of it. Maybe Aunt Polly has got the carpets, though. Yes, shes got the carpets. In every room? Well, in almost every room, answered Nancy, frowning suddenly at the thought of that bare little attic room where there was no carpet. Oh, Im so glad, exulted Pollyanna. I love carpets. We didnt have any, only two little rugs that came in a missionary barrel, and one of those had ink spots on it. Mrs. White had pictures, too, perfectly beautiful ones of roses and little girls kneeling and a kitty and some lambs and a lionnot together, you knowthe lambs and the lion. Oh, of course the Bible says they will sometime, but they havent yetthat is, I mean Mrs. Whites havent. Dont you just love pictures? II dont know, answered Nancy in a half-stifled voice. I do. We didnt have any pictures. They dont come in
the barrels much, you know. There did two come once, though. But one was so good father sold it to get money to buy me some shoes with; and the other was so bad it fell to pieces just as soon as we hung it up. Glassit broke, you know. And I cried. But Im glad now we didnt have any of those nice things, cause I shall like Aunt Pollys all the betternot being used to em, you see. Just as it is when the PRETTY hair-ribbons come in the barrels after a lot of faded-out brown ones. My! but isnt this a perfectly beautiful house? she broke off fervently, as they turned into the wide driveway. It was when Timothy was unloading the trunk that Nancy found an opportunity to mutter low in his ear: Dont you never say nothin ter me again about leavin, Timothy Durgin. You couldnt HIRE me ter leave! Leave! I should say not, grinned the youth. You couldnt drag me away. Itll be more fun here now, with that kid round, than movin-picture shows, every day! Fun!fun! repeated Nancy, indignantly, I guess itll be somethin more than fun for that blessed childwhen them two tries ter live tergether; and I guess shell be a-needin some rock ter fly to for refuge. Well, Im a-goin ter be that rock, Timothy; I am, I am! she vowed, as she turned and led Pollyanna up the broad steps.

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CHAPTER IV. THE LITTLE ATTIC ROOM
iss Polly Harrington did not rise to meet her niece. She looked up from her book, it is true, as Nancy and the little girl appeared in the sitting-room doorway, and she held out a hand with duty written large on every coldly extended finger. How do you do, Pollyanna? I She had no chance to say more. Pollyanna, had fairly flown across the room and flung herself into her aunts scandalized, unyielding lap. Oh, Aunt Polly, Aunt Polly, I dont know how to be glad enough that you let me come to live with you, she was sobbing. You dont know how perfectly lovely it is to have you and Nancy and all this after youve had just the Ladies Aid! Very likelythough Ive not had the pleasure of the Ladies Aids acquaintance, rejoined Miss Polly, stiffly, trying to unclasp the small, clinging fingers, and turning frowning eyes on Nancy in the doorway. Nancy, that will do. You may go. Pollyanna, be good enough, please, to stand erect in a proper manner. I dont know yet what you look like. Pollyanna drew back at once, laughing a little hysterically. No, I suppose you dont; but you see Im not very much
to took at, anyway, on account of the freckles. Oh, and I ought to explain about the red gingham and the black velvet basque with white spots on the elbows. I told Nancy how father said Yes; well, never mind now what your father said, interrupted Miss Polly, crisply. You had a trunk, I presume? Oh, yes, indeed, Aunt Polly. Ive got a beautiful trunk that the Ladies Aid gave me. I havent got so very much in itof my own, I mean. The barrels havent had many clothes for little girls in them lately; but there were all fathers books, and Mrs. White said she thought I ought to have those. You see, father Pollyanna, interrupted her aunt again, sharply, there is one thing that might just as well be understood right away at once; and that is, I do not care to have you keep talking of your father to me. The little girl drew in her breath tremulously. Why, Aunt Polly, youyou mean She hesitated, and her aunt filled the pause. We will go up-stairs to your room. Your trunk is already there, I presume. I told Timothy to take it upif you had one. You may follow me, Pollyanna. Without speaking, Pollyanna turned and followed her aunt from the room. Her eyes were brimming with tears, but her chin was bravely high. After all, II reckon Im glad she doesnt want me to talk about father, Pollyanna was thinking. Itll be easier, maybeif I dont talk about him. Probably, anyhow, that is why she told me not to talk about him. And Pollyanna, con Pollyanna
vinced anew of her aunts kindness, blinked off the tears and looked eagerly about her. She was on the stairway now. just ahead, her aunts black silk skirt rustled luxuriously. Behind her an open door allowed a glimpse of soft-tinted rugs and satin-covered chairs. Beneath her feet a marvellous carpet was like green moss to the tread. On every side the gilt of picture frames or the glint of sunlight through the filmy mesh of lace curtains flashed in her eyes. Oh, Aunt Polly, Aunt Polly, breathed the little girl, rapturously; what a perfectly lovely, lovely house! How awfully glad you must be youre so rich! PollyANNA! ejaculated her aunt, turning sharply about as she reached the head of the stairs. Im surprised at you making a speech like that to me! Why, Aunt Polly, ARENT you? queried Pollyanna, in frank wonder. Certainly not, Pollyanna. I hope I could not so far forget myself as to be sinfully proud of any gift the Lord has seen fit to bestow upon me, declared the lady; certainly not, of RICHES! Miss Polly turned and walked down the hall toward the attic stairway door. She was glad, now, that she had put the child in the attic room. Her idea at first had been to get her niece as far away as possible from herself, and at the same time place her where her childish heedlessness would not destroy valuable furnishings. Nowwith this evident strain of vanity showing thus earlyit was all the more fortunate that the room planned for her was plain and sensible,
thought Miss Polly. Eagerly Pollyannas small feet pattered behind her aunt. Still more eagerly her big blue eyes tried to look in all directions at once, that no thing of beauty or interest in this wonderful house might be passed unseen. Most eagerly of all her mind turned to the wondrously exciting problem about to be solved: behind which of all these fascinating doors was waiting now her roomthe dear, beautiful room full of curtains, rugs, and pictures, that was to be her very own? Then, abruptly, her aunt opened a door and ascended another stairway. There was little to be seen here. A bare wall rose on either side. At the top of the stairs, wide reaches of shadowy space led to far corners where the roof came almost down to the floor, and where were stacked innumerable trunks and boxes. It was hot and stifling, too. Unconsciously Pollyanna lifted her head higherit seemed so hard to breathe. Then she saw that her aunt had thrown open a door at the right. There, Pollyanna, here is your room, and your trunk is here, I see. Have you your key? Pollyanna nodded dumbly. Her eyes were a little wide and frightened. Her aunt frowned. When I ask a question, Pollyanna, I prefer that you should answer aloud not merely with your head. Yes, Aunt Polly. Thank you; that is better. I believe you have everything that you need here, she added, glancing at the well-filled towel rack and water pitcher. I will send Nancy up to help
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you unpack. Supper is at six oclock, she finished, as she left the room and swept down-stairs. For a moment after she had gone Pollyanna stood quite still, looking after her. Then she turned her wide eyes to the bare wall, the bare floor, the bare windows. She turned them last to the little trunk that had stood not so long before in her own little room in the far-away Western home. The next moment she stumbled blindly toward it and fell on her knees at its side, covering her face with her hands. Nancy found her there when she came up a few minutes later. There, there, you poor lamb, she crooned, dropping to the floor and drawing the little girl into her arms. I was just a-fearin! Id find you like this, like this. Pollyanna shook her head. But Im bad and wicked, Nancyawful wicked, she sobbed. I just cant make myself understand that God and the angels needed my father more than I did. No more they did, neither, declared Nancy, stoutly. Oh-h!NANCY! The burning horror in Pollyannas eyes dried the tears. Nancy gave a shamefaced smile and rubbed her own eyes vigorously. There, there, child, I didnt mean it, of course, she cried briskly. Come, lets have your key and well get inside this trunk and take our your dresses in no time, no time. Somewhat tearfully Pollyanna produced the key. There arent very many there, anyway, she faltered. Then theyre all the sooner unpacked, declared Nancy.
Pollyanna gave a sudden radiant smile. Thats so! I can be glad of that, cant I? she cried. Nancy stared. Why, ofcourse, she answered a little uncertainly. Nancys capable hands made short work of unpacking the books, the patched undergarments, and the few pitifully unattractive dresses. Pollyanna, smiling bravely now, flew about, hanging the dresses in the closet, stacking the books on the table, and putting away the undergarments in the bureau drawers. Im sure itits going to be a very nice room. Dont you think so? she stammered, after a while. There was no answer. Nancy was very busy, apparently, with her head in the trunk. Pollyanna, standing at the bureau, gazed a little wistfully at the bare wall above. And I can be glad there isnt any looking-glass here, too, cause where there ISNT any glass I cant see my freckles. Nancy made a sudden queer little sound with her mouthbut when Pollyanna turned, her head was in the trunk again. At one of the windows, a few minutes later, Pollyanna gave a glad cry and clapped her hands joyously. Oh, Nancy, I hadnt seen this before, she breathed. Lookway off there, with those trees and the houses and that lovely church spire, and the river shining just like silver. Why, Nancy, there doesnt anybody need any pictures with that to look at. Oh, Im so glad now she let me have this room! To Pollyannas surprise and dismay, Nancy burst into tears. Pollyanna hurriedly crossed to her side.
Pollyanna
Why, Nancy, Nancywhat is it? she cried; then, fearfully: This wasntYOUR room, was it? My room! stormed Nancy, hotly, choking back the tears. If you aint a little angel straight from Heaven, and if some folks dont eat dirt beforeOh, land! theres her bell! After which amazing speech, Nancy sprang to her feet, dashed out of the room, and went clattering down the stairs. Left alone, Pollyanna went back to her picture, as she mentally designated the beautiful view from the window. After a time she touched the sash tentatively. It seemed as if no longer could she endure the stifling heat. To her joy the sash moved under her fingers. The next moment the window was wide open, and Pollyanna was leaning far out, drinking in the fresh, sweet air. She ran then to the other window. That, too, soon flew up under her eager hands. A big fly swept past her nose, and buzzed noisily about the room. Then another came, and another; but Pollyanna paid no heed. Pollyanna had made a wonderful discoveryagainst this window a huge tree flung great branches. To Pollyanna they looked like arms outstretched, inviting her. Suddenly she laughed aloud. I believe I can do it, she chuckled. The next moment she had climbed nimbly to the window ledge. From there it was an easy matter to step to the nearest tree-branch. Then, clinging like a monkey, she swung herself from limb to limb until the lowest branch was reached. The drop to the ground waseven for Pollyanna, who was used to climbing treesa little fearsome. She took it, however, with bated breath, swinging from her strong little arms, and landing
on all fours in the soft grass. Then she picked herself up and looked eagerly about her. She was at the back of the house. Before her lay a garden in which a bent old man was working. Beyond the garden a little path through an open field led up a steep hill, at the top of which a lone pine tree stood on guard beside the huge rock. To Pollyanna, at the moment, there seemed to be just one place in the world worth being inthe top of that big rock. With a run and a skilful turn, Pollyanna skipped by the bent old man, threaded her way between the orderly rows of green growing things, anda little out of breathreached the path that ran through the open field. Then, determinedly, she began to climb. Already, however, she was thinking what a long, long way off that rock must be, when back at the window it had looked so near! Fifteen minutes later the great clock in the hallway of the Harrington homestead struck six. At precisely the last stroke Nancy sounded the bell for supper. One, two, three minutes passed. Miss Polly frowned and tapped the floor with her slipper. A little jerkily she rose to her feet, went into the hall, and looked up-stairs, plainly impatient. For a minute she listened intently; then she turned and swept into the dining room. Nancy, she said with decision, as soon as the little serving-maid appeared; my niece is late. No, you need not call her, she added severely, as Nancy made a move toward the hall door. I told her what time supper was, and now she will have to suffer the consequences. She may as well begin
0 Pollyanna
at once to learn to be punctual. When she comes down she may have bread and milk in the kitchen. Yes, maam. It was well, perhaps, that Miss Polly did not happen to be looking at Nancys face just then. At the earliest possible moment after supper, Nancy crept up the back stairs and thence to the attic room. Bread and milk, indeed!and when the poor lamb haint only just cried herself to sleep, she was muttering fiercely, as she softly pushed open the door. The next moment she gave a frightened cry. Where are you? Whereve you gone? Where HAVE you gone? she panted, looking in the closet, under the bed, and even in the trunk and down the water pitcher. Then she flew down-stairs and out to Old Tom in the garden. Mr. Tom, Mr. Tom, that blessed childs gone, she wailed. Shes vanished right up into Heaven where she come from, poor lamband me told ter give her bread and milk in the kitchenher whats eatin angel food this minute, Ill warrant, Ill warrant! The old man straightened up. Gone? Heaven? he repeated stupidly, unconsciously sweeping the brilliant sunset sky with his gaze. He stopped, stared a moment intently, then turned with a slow grin. Well, Nancy, it do look like as if shed tried ter get as nigh Heaven as she could, and thats a fact, he agreed, pointing with a crooked finger to where, sharply outlined against the reddening sky, a slender, wind-blown figure was poised on top of a huge rock. Well, she aint goin ter Heaven that way ter-nightnot
if I has my say, declared Nancy, doggedly. If the mistress asks, tell her I aint furgettin the dishes, but I gone on a stroll, she flung back over her shoulder, as she sped toward the path that led through the open field.

Pollyanna
CHAPTER V. THE GAME
or the lands sake, Miss Pollyanna, what a scare you did give me, panted Nancy, hurrying up to the big rock, down which Pollyanna had just regretfully slid. Scare? Oh, Im so sorry; but you mustnt, really, ever get scared about me, Nancy. Father and the Ladies Aid used to do it, too, till they found I always came back all right. But I didnt even know youd went, cried Nancy, tucking the little girls hand under her arm and hurrying her down the hill. I didnt see you go, and nobody didnt. I guess you flew right up through the roof; I do, I do. Pollyanna skipped gleefully. I did, mostonly I flew down instead of up. I came down the tree. Nancy stopped short. You didwhat? Came down the tree, outside my window. My stars and stockings! gasped Nancy, hurrying on again. Id like ter know what yer aunt would say ter that! Would you? Well, Ill tell her, then, so you can find out, promised the little girl, cheerfully. Mercy! gasped Nancy. Nono! Why, you dont mean shed CARE! cried Pollyanna, plainly disturbed. Noeryeswell, never mind. II aint so very par
ticular about knowin what shed say, truly, stammered Nancy, determined to keep one scolding from Pollyanna, if nothing more. But, say, we better hurry. Ive got ter get them dishes done, ye know. Ill help, promised Pollyanna, promptly. Oh, Miss Pollyanna! demurred Nancy. For a moment there was silence. The sky was darkening fast. Pollyanna took a firmer hold of her friends arm. I reckon Im glad, after all, that you DID get scareda little, cause then you came after me, she shivered. Poor little lamb! And you must be hungry, too. IIm afraid youll have ter have bread and milk in the kitchen with me. Yer aunt didnt like itbecause you didnt come down ter supper, ye know. But I couldnt. I was up here. Yes; butshe didnt know that, you see! observed Nancy, dryly, stifling a chuckle. Im sorry about the bread and milk; I am, I am. Oh, Im not. Im glad. Glad! Why? Why, I like bread and milk, and Id like to eat with you. I dont see any trouble about being glad about that. You dont seem ter see any trouble bein glad about everythin, retorted Nancy, choking a little over her remembrance of Pollyannas brave attempts to like the bare little attic room. Pollyanna laughed softly. Well, thats the game, you know, anyway. TheGAME?
Pollyanna
Yes; the just being glad game. Whatever in the world are you talkin about? Why, its a game. Father told it to me, and its lovely, rejoined Pollyanna. Weve played it always, ever since I was a little, little girl. I told the Ladies Aid, and they played it some of them. What is it? I aint much on games, though. Pollyanna laughed again, but she sighed, too; and in the gathering twilight her face looked thin and wistful. Why, we began it on some crutches that came in a missionary barrel. CRUTCHES! Yes. You see Id wanted a doll, and father had written them so; but when the barrel came the lady wrote that there hadnt any dolls come in, but the little crutches had. So she sent em along as they might come in handy for some child, sometime. And thats when we began it. Well, I must say I cant see any game about that, about that, declared Nancy, almost irritably. Oh, yes; the game was to just find something about everything to be glad aboutno matter what twas, rejoined Pollyanna, earnestly. And we began right thenon the crutches. Well, goodness me! I cant see anythin ter be glad about gettin a pair of crutches when you wanted a doll! Pollyanna clapped her hands. There isthere is, she crowed. But I couldnt see it, either, Nancy, at first, she added, with quick honesty. Father had to tell it to me.
Well, then, suppose YOU tell ME, almost snapped Nancy. Goosey! Why, just be glad because you dontNEED EM! exulted Pollyanna, triumphantly. You see its just as easywhen you know how! Well, of all the queer doins! breathed Nancy, regarding Pollyanna with almost fearful eyes. Oh, but it isnt queerits lovely, maintained Pollyanna enthusiastically. And weve played it ever since. And the harder tis, the more fun tis to get em out; onlyonly sometimes its almost too hardlike when your father goes to Heaven, and there isnt anybody but a Ladies Aid left. Yes, or when youre put in a snippy little room way at the top of the house with nothin in it, growled Nancy. Pollyanna sighed. That was a hard one, at first, she admitted, specially when I was so kind of lonesome. I just didnt feel like playing the game, anyway, and I HAD been wanting pretty things, so! Then I happened to think how I hated to see my freckles in the looking-glass, and I saw that lovely picture out the window, too; so then I knew Id found the things to be glad about. You see, when youre hunting for the glad things, you sort of forget the other kindlike the doll you wanted, you know. Humph! choked Nancy, trying to swallow the lump in her throat. Most generally it doesnt take so long, sighed Pollyanna; and lots of times now I just think of them WITHOUT thinking, you know. Ive got so used to playing it. Its a love Pollyanna
ly game. F-father and I used to like it so much, she faltered. I suppose, though, ititll be a little harder now, as long as I havent anybody to play it with. Maybe Aunt Polly will play it, though, she added, as an after-thought. My stars and stockings!HER! breathed Nancy, behind her teeth. Then, aloud, she said doggedly: See here, Miss Pollyanna, I aint sayin that Ill play it very well, and I aint sayin that I know how, anyway; but Ill play it with ye, after a fashionI just will, I will! Oh, Nancy! exulted Pollyanna, giving her a rapturous hug. Thatll be splendid! Wont we have fun? Ermaybe, conceded Nancy, in open doubt. But you mustnt count too much on me, ye know. I never was no case fur games. but Im a-goin ter make a most awful old try on this one. Youre goin ter have some one ter play it with, anyhow, she finished, as they entered the kitchen together. Pollyanna ate her bread and milk with good appetite; then, at Nancys suggestion, she went into the sitting room, where her aunt sat reading. Miss Polly looked up coldly. Have you had your supper, Pollyanna? Yes, Aunt Polly. Im very sorry, Pollyanna, to have been obliged so soon to send you into the kitchen to eat bread and milk. But I was real glad you did it, Aunt Polly. I like bread and milk, and Nancy, too. You mustnt feel bad about that one bit. Aunt Polly sat suddenly a little more erect in her chair. Pollyanna, its quite time you were in bed. You have had
a hard day, and to-morrow we must plan your hours and go over your clothing to see what it is necessary to get for you. Nancy will give you a candle. Be careful how you handle it. Breakfast will be at half-past seven. See that you are down to that. Good-night. Quite as a matter of course, Pollyanna came straight to her aunts side and gave her an affectionate hug. Ive had such a beautiful time, so far, she sighed happily. I know Im going to just love living with you but then, I knew I should before I came. Good-night, she called cheerfully, as she ran from the room. Well, upon my soul! ejaculated Miss Polly, half aloud. What a most extraordinary child! Then she frowned. Shes glad I punished her, and I mustnt feel bad one bit, and shes going to love to live with me! Well, upon my soul! ejaculated Miss Polly again, as she took up her book. Fifteen minutes later, in the attic room, a lonely little girl sobbed into the tightly-clutched sheet: I know, father-among-the-angels, Im not playing the game one bit nownot one bit; but I dont believe even you could find anything to be glad about sleeping all alone way off up here in the darklike this. If only I was near Nancy or Aunt Polly, or even a Ladies Aider, it would be easier! Down-stairs in the kitchen, Nancy, hurrying with her belated work, jabbed her dish-mop into the milk pitcher, and muttered Jerkily: If playin a silly-fool gameabout bein glad youve got crutches when you want dollsis got ter bemy wayo bein that rock o refugewhy, Im a-goin ter play itI am,
Pollyanna
I am!

CHAPTER VI. A QUESTION OF DUTY
t was nearly seven oclock when Pollyanna awoke that first day after her arrival. Her windows faced the south and the west, so she could not see the sun yet; but she could see the hazy blue of the morning sky, and she knew that the day promised to be a fair one. The little room was cooler now, and the air blew in fresh and sweet. Outside, the birds were twittering joyously, and Pollyanna flew to the window to talk to them. She saw then that down in the garden her aunt was already out among the rosebushes. With rapid fingers, therefore, she made herself ready to join her. Down the attic stairs sped Pollyanna, leaving both doors wide open. Through the hall, down the next flight, then bang through the front screened-door and around to the garden, she ran. Aunt Polly, with the bent old man, was leaning over a rose-bush when Pollyanna, gurgling with delight, flung herself upon her. Oh, Aunt Polly, Aunt Polly, I reckon I am glad this morning just to be alive! PollyANNA! remonstrated the lady, sternly, pulling herself as erect as she could with a dragging weight of ninety
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pounds hanging about her neck. Is this the usual way you say good morning? The little girl dropped to her toes, and danced lightly up and down. No, only when I love folks so I just cant help it! I saw you from my window, Aunt Polly, and I got to thinking how you WERENT a Ladies Aider, and you were my really truly aunt; and you looked so good I just had to come down and hug you! The bent old man turned his back suddenly. Miss Polly attempted a frownwith not her usual success. Pollyanna, youI Thomas, that will do for this morning. I think you understandabout those rose-bushes, she said stiffly. Then she turned and walked rapidly away. Do you always work in the garden, Mr.Man? asked Pollyanna, interestedly. The man turned. His lips were twitching, but his eyes looked blurred as if with tears. Yes, Miss. Im Old Tom, the gardener, he answered. Timidly, but as if impelled by an irresistible force, he reached out a shaking hand and let it rest for a moment on her bright hair. You are so like your mother. little Miss! I used ter know her when she was even littler than you be. You see, I used ter work in the gardenthen. Pollyanna caught her breath audibly. You did? And you knew my mother, reallywhen she was just a little earth angel, and not a Heaven one? Oh, please tell me about her! And down plumped Pollyanna in the middle of the dirt path by the old mans side.
A bell sounded from the house. The next moment Nancy was seen flying out the back door. Miss Pollyanna, that bell means breakfastmornins, she panted, pulling the little girl to her feet and hurrying her back to the house; and other times it means other meals. But it always means that youre ter run like time when ye hear it, no matter where ye be. If ye dontwell, itll take somethin smartern we be ter find ANYTHIN ter be glad about in that! she finished, shooing Pollyanna into the house as she would shoo an unruly chicken into a coop. Breakfast, for the first five minutes, was a silent meal; then Miss Polly, her disapproving eyes following the airy wings of two flies darting here and there over the table, said sternly: Nancy, where did those flies come from? I dont know, maam. There wasnt one in the kitchen. Nancy had been too excited to notice Pollyannas up-flung windows the afternoon before. I reckon maybe theyre my flies, Aunt Polly, observed Pollyanna, amiably. There were lots of them this morning having a beautiful time upstairs. Nancy left the room precipitately, though to do so she had to carry out the hot muffins she had just brought in. Yours! gasped Miss Polly. What do you mean? Where did they come from? Why, Aunt Polly, they came from out of doors of course, through the windows. I SAW some of them come in. You saw them! You mean you raised those windows without any screens?
Pollyanna
Why, yes. There werent any screens there, Aunt Polly. Nancy, at this moment, came in again with the muffins. Her face was grave, but very red. Nancy, directed her mistress, sharply, you may set the muffins down and go at once to Miss Pollyannas room and shut the windows. Shut the doors, also. Later, when your morning work is done, go through every room with the spatter. See that you make a thorough search. To her niece she said: Pollyanna, I have ordered screens for those windows. I knew, of course, that it was my duty to do that. But it seems to me that you have quite forgotten YOUR duty. Myduty? Pollyannas eyes were wide with wonder. Certainly. I know it is warm, but I consider it your duty to keep your windows closed till those screens come. Flies, Pollyanna, are not only unclean and annoying, but very dangerous to health. After breakfast I will give you a little pamphlet on this matter to read. To read? Oh, thank you, Aunt Polly. I love to read! Miss Polly drew in her breath audibly, then she shut her lips together hard. Pollyanna, seeing her stern face, frowned a little thoughtfully. Of course Im sorry about the duty I forgot, Aunt Polly, she apologized timidly. I wont raise the windows again. Her aunt made no reply. She did not speak, indeed, until the meal was over. Then she rose, went to the bookcase in the sitting room, took out a small paper booklet, and crossed the room to her nieces side. This is the article I spoke of, Pollyanna. I desire you to go
to your room at once and read it. I will be up in half an hour to look over your things. Pollyanna, her eyes on the illustration of a flys head, many times magnified, cried joyously: Oh, thank you, Aunt Polly! The next moment she skipped merrily from the room, banging the door behind her. Miss Polly frowned, hesitated, then crossed the room majestically and opened the door; but Pollyanna was already out of sight, clattering up the attic stairs. Half an hour later when Miss Polly, her face expressing stern duty in every line, climbed those stairs and entered Pollyannas room, she was greeted with a burst of eager enthusiasm. Oh, Aunt Polly, I never saw anything so perfectly lovely and interesting in my life. Im so glad you gave me that book to read! Why, I didnt suppose flies could carry such a lot of things on their feet, and That will do, observed Aunt Polly, with dignity. Pollyanna, you may bring out your clothes now, and I will look them over. What are not suitable for you I shall give to the Sullivans, of course. With visible reluctance Pollyanna laid down the pamphlet and turned toward the closet. Im afraid youll think theyre worse than the Ladies Aid didand THEY said they were shameful, she sighed. But there were mostly things for boys and older folks in the last two or three barrels; anddid you ever have a missionary barrel, Aunt Polly?
Pollyanna
At her aunts look of shocked anger, Pollyanna corrected herself at once. Why, no, of course you didnt, Aunt Polly! she hurried on, with a hot blush. I forgot; rich folks never have to have them. But you see sometimes I kind of forget that you are richup here in this room, you know. Miss Pollys lips parted indignantly, but no words came. Pollyanna, plainly unaware that she had said anything in the least unpleasant, was hurrying on. Well, as I was going to say, you cant tell a thing about missionary barrelsexcept that you wont find in em what you think youre going toeven when you think you wont. It was the barrels every time, too, that were hardest to play the game on, for father and Just in time Pollyanna remembered that she was not to talk of her father to her aunt. She dived into her closet then, hurriedly, and brought out all the poor little dresses in both her arms. They arent nice, at all, she choked, and theyd been black if it hadnt been for the red carpet for the church; but theyre all Ive got. With the tips of her fingers Miss Polly turned over the conglomerate garments, so obviously made for anybody but Pollyanna. Next she bestowed frowning attention on the patched undergarments in the bureau drawers. Ive got the best ones on, confessed Pollyanna, anxiously. The Ladies Aid bought me one set straight through all whole. Mrs. Jonesshes the presidenttold em I should have that if they had to clatter down bare aisles themselves
the rest of their days. But they wont. Mr. White doesnt like the noise. Hes got nerves, his wife says; but hes got money, too, and they expect hell give a lot toward the carpeton account of the nerves, you know. I should think hed be glad that if he did have the nerves hed got money, too; shouldnt you? Miss Polly did not seem to hear. Her scrutiny of the undergarments finished, she turned to Pollyanna somewhat abruptly. You have been to school, of course, Pollyanna? Oh, yes, Aunt Polly. Besides, fathI mean, I was taught at home some, too. Miss Polly frowned. Very good. In the fall you will enter school here, of course. Mr. Hall, the principal, will doubtless settle in which grade you belong. Meanwhile, I suppose I ought to hear you read aloud half an hour each day. I love to read; but if you dont want to hear me Id be just glad to read to myselftruly, Aunt Polly. And I wouldnt have to half try to be glad, either, for I like best to read to myselfon account of the big words, you know. I dont doubt it, rejoined Miss Polly, grimly. Have you studied music? Not much. I dont like my musicI like other peoples, though. I learned to play on the piano a little. Miss Gray she plays for churchshe taught me. But Id just as soon let that go as not, Aunt Polly. Id rather, truly. Very likely, observed Aunt Polly, with slightly uplifted eyebrows. Nevertheless I think it is my duty to see that you
Pollyanna
are properly instructed in at least the rudiments of music. You sew, of course. Yes, maam. Pollyanna sighed. The Ladies Aid taught me that. But I had an awful time. Mrs. Jones didnt believe in holding your needle like the rest of em did on buttonholing, and Mrs. White thought backstitching ought to be taught you before hemming (or else the other way), and Mrs. Harriman didnt believe in putting you on patchwork ever, at all. Well, there will be no difficulty of that kind any longer, Pollyanna. I shall teach you sewing myself, of course. You do not know how to cook, I presume. Pollyanna laughed suddenly. They were just beginning to teach me that this summer, but I hadnt got far. They were more divided up on that than they were on the sewing. They were GOING to begin on bread; but there wasnt two of em that made it alike, so after arguing it all one sewing-meeting, they decided to take turns at me one forenoon a weekin their own kitchens, you know. Id only learned chocolate fudge and fig cake, though, whenwhen I had to stop. Her voice broke. Chocolate fudge and fig cake, indeed! scorned Miss Polly. I think we can remedy that very soon. She paused in thought for a minute, then went on slowly: At nine oclock every morning you will read aloud one half-hour to me. Before that you will use the time to put this room in order. Wednesday and Saturday forenoons, after half-past nine, you will spend with Nancy in the kitchen, learning to cook. Other mornings you will sew with me. That will leave
the afternoons for your music. I shall, of course, procure a teacher at once for you, she finished decisively, as she arose from her chair. Pollyanna cried out in dismay. Oh, but Aunt Polly, Aunt Polly, you havent left me any time at all just toto live. To live, child! What do you mean? As if you werent living all the time! Oh, of course Id be BREATHING all the time I was doing those things, Aunt Polly, but I wouldnt be living. You breathe all the time youre asleep, but you arent living. I mean livingdoing the things you want to do: playing outdoors, reading (to myself, of course), climbing hills, talking to Mr. Tom in the garden, and Nancy, and finding out all about the houses and the people and everything everywhere all through the perfectly lovely streets I came through yesterday. Thats what I call living, Aunt Polly. Just breathing isnt living! Miss Polly lifted her head irritably. Pollyanna, you ARE the most extraordinary child! You will be allowed a proper amount of playtime, of course. But, surely, it seems to me if I am willing to do my duty in seeing that you have proper care and instruction, YOU ought to be willing to do yours by seeing that that care and instruction are not ungratefully wasted. Pollyanna looked shocked. Oh, Aunt Polly, as if I ever could be ungratefulto YOU! Why, I LOVE YOUand you arent even a Ladies Aider; youre an aunt!
Pollyanna
Very well; then see that you dont act ungrateful, vouchsafed Miss Polly, as she turned toward the door. She had gone halfway down the stairs when a small, unsteady voice called after her: Please, Aunt Polly, you didnt tell me which of my things you wanted toto give away. Aunt Polly emitted a tired sigha sigh that ascended straight to Pollyannas ears. Oh, I forgot to tell you, Pollyanna. Timothy will drive us into town at half-past one this afternoon. Not one of your garments is fit for my niece to wear. Certainly I should be very far from doing my duty by you if I should let you appear out in any one of them. Pollyanna sighed nowshe believed she was going to hate that wordduty. Aunt Polly, please, she called wistfully, isnt there ANY way you can be glad about all thatduty business? What? Miss Polly looked up in dazed surprise; then, suddenly, with very red cheeks, she turned and swept angrily down the stairs. Dont be impertinent, Pollyanna! In the hot little attic room Pollyanna dropped herself on to one of the straight-backed chairs. To her, existence loomed ahead one endless round of duty. I dont see, really, what there was impertinent about that, she sighed. I was only asking her if she couldnt tell me something to be glad about in all that duty business. For several minutes Pollyanna sat in silence, her rueful eyes fixed on the forlorn heap of garments on the bed. Then, slowly, she rose and began to put away the dresses.
There just isnt anything to be glad about, that I can see, she said aloud; unlessits to be glad when the dutys done! Whereupon she laughed suddenly.
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Pollyanna
CHAPTER VII. POLLYANNA AND PUNISHMENTS
t half-past one oclock Timothy drove Miss Polly and her niece to the four or five principal dry goods stores, which were about half a mile from the homestead. Fitting Pollyanna with a new wardrobe proved to be more or less of an exciting experience for all concerned. Miss Polly came out of it with the feeling of limp relaxation that one might have at finding oneself at last on solid earth after a perilous walk across the very thin crust of a volcano. The various clerks who had waited upon the pair came out of it with very red faces, and enough amusing stories of Pollyanna to keep their friends in gales of laughter the rest of the week. Pollyanna herself came out of it with radiant smiles and a heart content; for, as she expressed it to one of the clerks: When you havent had anybody but missionary barrels and Ladies Aiders to dress you, it IS perfectly lovely to just walk right in and buy clothes that are brand-new, and that dont have to be tucked up or let down because they dont fit! The shopping expedition consumed the entire afternoon; then came supper and a delightful talk with Old Tom in the garden, and another with Nancy on the back porch, after the dishes were done, and while Aunt Polly paid a visit to
a neighbor. Old Tom told Pollyanna wonderful things of her mother, that made her very happy indeed; and Nancy told her all about the little farm six miles away at The Corners, where lived her own dear mother, and her equally dear brother and sisters. She promised, too, that sometime, if Miss Polly were willing, Pollyanna should be taken to see them. And THEYVE got lovely names, too. Youll like THEIR names, sighed Nancy. Theyre Algernon, and Florabelle and Estelle. II just hate Nancy! Oh, Nancy, what a dreadful thing to say! Why? Because it isnt pretty like the others. You see, I was the first baby, and mother hadnt begun ter read so many stories with the pretty names in em, then. But I love Nancy, just because its you, declared Pollyanna. Humph! Well, I guess you could love Clarissa Mabelle just as well, retorted Nancy, and it would be a heap happier for me. I think THAT names just grand! Pollyanna laughed. Well, anyhow, she chuckled, you can be glad it isnt Hephzibah. Hephzibah! Yes. Mrs. Whites name is that. Her husband calls her Hep, and she doesnt like it. She says when he calls out HepHep! she feels just as if the next minute he was going to yell Hurrah! And she doesnt like to be hurrahed at. Nancys gloomy face relaxed into a broad smile. Well, if you dont beat the Dutch! Say, do you know?
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I shant never hear Nancy now that I dont think o that HepHep! and giggle. My, I guess I AM glad She stopped short and turned amazed eyes on the little girl. Say, Miss Pollyanna, do you meanwas you playin that ere game THENabout my bein glad I want named Hephzibah? Pollyanna frowned; then she laughed. Why, Nancy, thats so! I WAS playing the gamebut thats one of the times I just did it without thinking, I reckon. You see, you DO, lots of times; you get so used to itlooking for something to be glad about, you know. And most generally there is something about everything that you can be glad about, if you keep hunting long enough to find it. Well, m-maybe, granted Nancy, with open doubt. At half-past eight Pollyanna went up to bed. The screens had not yet come, and the close little room was like an oven. With longing eyes Pollyanna looked at the two fast-closed windowsbut she did not raise them. She undressed, folded her clothes neatly, said her prayers, blew out her candle and climbed into bed. Just how long she lay in sleepless misery, tossing from side to side of the hot little cot, she did not know; but it seemed to her that it must have been hours before she finally slipped out of bed, felt her way across the room and opened her door. Out in the main attic all was velvet blackness save where the moon flung a path of silver half-way across the floor from the east dormer window. With a resolute ignoring of that fearsome darkness to the right and to the left, PollyFree eBooks at Planet eBook.com
anna drew a quick breath and pattered straight into that silvery path, and on to the window. She had hoped, vaguely, that this window might have a screen, but it did not. Outside, however, there was a wide world of fairy-like beauty, and there was, too, she knew, fresh, sweet air that would feel so good to hot cheeks and hands! As she stepped nearer and peered longingly out, she saw something else: she saw, only a little way below the window, the wide, flat tin roof of Miss Pollys sun parlor built over the porte-cochere. The sight filled her with longing. If only, now, she were out there! Fearfully she looked behind her. Back there, somewhere, were her hot little room and her still hotter bed; but between her and them lay a horrid desert of blackness across which one must feel ones way with outstretched, shrinking arms; while before her, out on the sun-parlor roof, were the moonlight and the cool, sweet night air. If only her bed were out there! And folks did sleep out of doors. Joel Hartley at home, who was so sick with the consumption, HAD to sleep out of doors. Suddenly Pollyanna remembered that she had seen near this attic window a row of long white bags hanging from nails. Nancy had said that they contained the winter clothing, put away for the summer. A little fearfully now, Pollyanna felt her way to these bags, selected a nice fat soft one (it contained Miss Pollys sealskin coat) for a bed; and a thinner one to be doubled up for a pillow, and still another (which was so thin it seemed almost empty) for a
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covering. Thus equipped, Pollyanna in high glee pattered to the moonlit window again, raised the sash, stuffed her burden through to the roof below, then let herself down after it, closing the window carefully behind herPollyanna had not forgotten those flies with the marvellous feet that carried things. How deliciously cool it was! Pollyanna quite danced up and down with delight, drawing in long, full breaths of the refreshing air. The tin roof under her feet crackled with little resounding snaps that Pollyanna rather liked. She walked, indeed, two or three times back and forth from end to endit gave her such a pleasant sensation of airy space after her hot little room; and the roof was so broad and flat that she had no fear of falling off. Finally, with a sigh of content, she curled herself up on the sealskin-coat mattress, arranged one bag for a pillow and the other for a covering, and settled herself to sleep. Im so glad now that the screens didnt come, she murmured, blinking up at the stars; else I couldnt have had this! Down-stairs in Miss Pollys room next the sun parlor, Miss Polly herself was hurrying into dressing gown and slippers, her face white and frightened. A minute before she had been telephoning in a shaking voice to Timothy: Come up quick!you and your father. Bring lanterns. Somebody is on the roof of the sun parlor. He must have climbed up the rose-trellis or somewhere, and of course he can get right into the house through the east window in the attic. I have locked the attic door down herebut hurry,
quick! Some time later, Pollyanna, just dropping off to sleep, was startled by a lantern flash, and a trio of amazed ejaculations. She opened her eyes to find Timothy at the top of a ladder near her, Old Tom just getting through the window, and her aunt peering out at her from behind him. Pollyanna, what does this mean? cried Aunt Polly then. Pollyanna blinked sleepy eyes and sat up. Why, Mr. TomAunt Polly! she stammered. Dont look so scared! It isnt that Ive got the consumption, you know, like Joel Hartley. Its only that I was so hotin there. But I shut the window, Aunt Polly, so the flies couldnt carry those germ-things in. Timothy disappeared suddenly down the ladder. Old Tom, with almost equal precipitation, handed his lantern to Miss Polly, and followed his son. Miss Polly bit her lip harduntil the men were gone; then she said sternly: Pollyanna, hand those things to me at once and come in here. Of all the extraordinary children! she ejaculated a little later, as, with Pollyanna by her side, and the lantern in her hand, she turned back into the attic. To Pollyanna the air was all the more stifling after that cool breath of the out of doors; but she did not complain. She only drew a long quivering sigh. At the top of the stairs Miss Polly jerked out crisply: For the rest of the night, Pollyanna, you are to sleep in my bed with me. The screens will be here to-morrow, but until then I consider it my duty to keep you where I know where you are.
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Pollyanna drew in her breath. With you?in your bed? she cried rapturously. Oh, Aunt Polly, Aunt Polly, how perfectly lovely of you! And when Ive so wanted to sleep with some one sometime some one that belonged to me, you know; not a Ladies Aider. Ive HAD them. My! I reckon I am glad now those screens didnt come! Wouldnt you be? There was no reply. Miss Polly was stalking on ahead. Miss Polly, to tell the truth, was feeling curiously helpless. For the third time since Pollyannas arrival, Miss Polly was punishing Pollyannaand for the third time she was being confronted with the amazing fact that her punishment was being taken as a special reward of merit. No wonder Miss Polly was feeling curiously helpless.

CHAPTER VIII. POLLYANNA PAYS A VISIT
t was not long before life at the Harrington homestead settled into something like orderthough not exactly the order that Miss Polly had at first prescribed. Pollyanna sewed, practised, read aloud, and studied cooking in the kitchen, it is true; but she did not give to any of these things quite so much time as had first been planned. She had more time, also, to just live, as she expressed it, for almost all of every afternoon from two until six oclock was hers to do with as she likedprovided she did not like to do certain things already prohibited by Aunt Polly. It is a question, perhaps, whether all this leisure time was given to the child as a relief to Pollyanna from workor as a relief to Aunt Polly from Pollyanna. Certainly, as those first July days passed, Miss Polly found occasion many times to ejaculate What an extraordinary child! and certainly the reading and sewing lessons found her at their conclusion each day somewhat dazed and wholly exhausted. Nancy, in the kitchen, fared better. She was not dazed nor exhausted. Wednesdays and Saturdays came to be, indeed, red-letter days to her. There were no children in the immediate neighborhood of the Harrington homestead for Pollyanna to play with. The
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house itself was on the outskirts of the village, and though there were other houses not far away, they did not chance to contain any boys or girls near Pollyannas age. This, however, did not seem to disturb Pollyanna in the least. Oh, no, I dont mind it at all, she explained to Nancy. Im happy just to walk around and see the streets and the houses and watch the people. I just love people. Dont you, Nancy? Well, I cant say I doall of em, retorted Nancy, tersely. Almost every pleasant afternoon found Pollyanna begging for an errand to run, so that she might be off for a walk in one direction or another; and it was on these walks that frequently she met the Man. To herself Pollyanna always called him the Man, no matter if she met a dozen other men the same day. The Man often wore a long black coat and a high silk hat two things that the just men never wore. His face was clean shaven and rather pale, and his hair, showing below his hat, was somewhat gray. He walked erect, and rather rapidly, and he was always alone, which made Pollyanna vaguely sorry for him. Perhaps it was because of this that she one day spoke to him. How do you do, sir? Isnt this a nice day? she called cheerily, as she approached him. The man threw a hurried glance about him, then stopped uncertainly. Did you speakto me? he asked in a sharp voice. Yes, sir, beamed Pollyanna. I say, its a nice day, isnt it?
Eh? Oh! Humph! he grunted; and strode on again. Pollyanna laughed. He was such a funny man, she thought. The next day she saw him again. Tisnt quite so nice as yesterday, but its pretty nice, she called out cheerfully. Eh? Oh! Humph! grunted the man as before; and once again Pollyanna laughed happily. When for the third time Pollyanna accosted him in much the same manner, the man stopped abruptly. See here, child, who are you, and why are you speaking to me every day? Im Pollyanna Whittier, and I thought you looked lonesome. Im so glad you stopped. Now were introducedonly I dont know your name yet. Well, of all the The man did not finish his sentence, but strode on faster than ever. Pollyanna looked after him with a disappointed droop to her usually smiling lips. Maybe he didnt understandbut that was only half an introduction. I dont know HIS name, yet, she murmured, as she proceeded on her way. Pollyanna was carrying calfs-foot jelly to Mrs. Snow today. Miss Polly Harrington always sent something to Mrs. Snow once a week. She said she thought that it was her duty, inasmuch as Mrs. Snow was poor, sick, and a member of her churchit was the duty of all the church members to look out for her, of course. Miss Polly did her duty by Mrs. Snow usually on Thursday afternoonsnot personally, but
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through Nancy. To-day Pollyanna had begged the privilege, and Nancy had promptly given it to her in accordance with Miss Pollys orders. And its glad that I am ter get rid of it, Nancy had declared in private afterwards to Pollyanna; though its a shame ter be tuckin the job off on ter you, poor lamb, so it is, it is! But Id love to do it, Nancy. Well, you wontafter youve done it once, predicted Nancy, sourly. Why not? Because nobody does. If folks want sorry for her there wouldnt a soul go near her from mornin till night, shes that cantankerous. All is, I pity her daughter what HAS ter take care of her. But, why, Nancy? Nancy shrugged her shoulders. Well, in plain words, its just that nothin what ever has happened, has happened right in Mis Snows eyes. Even the days of the week aint run ter her mind. If its Monday shes bound ter say she wished twas Sunday; and if you take her jelly youre pretty sure ter hear she wanted chickenbut if you DID bring her chicken, shed be jest hankerin for lamb broth! Why, what a funny woman, laughed Pollyanna. I think I shall like to go to see her. She must be so surprising and and different. I love DIFFERENT folks. Humph! Well, Mis Snows different, all rightI hope, for the sake of the rest of us! Nancy had finished grimly.
Pollyanna was thinking of these remarks to-day as she turned in at the gate of the shabby little cottage. Her eyes were quite sparkling, indeed, at the prospect of meeting this different Mrs. Snow. A pale-faced, tired-looking young girl answered her knock at the door. How do you do? began Pollyanna politely. Im from Miss Polly Harrington, and Id like to see Mrs. Snow, please. Well, if you would, youre the first one that ever liked to see her, muttered the girl under her breath; but Pollyanna did not hear this. The girl had turned and was leading the way through the hall to a door at the end of it. In the sick-room, after the girl had ushered her in and closed the door, Pollyanna blinked a little before she could accustom her eyes to the gloom. Then she saw, dimly outlined, a woman half-sitting up in the bed across the room. Pollyanna advanced at once. How do you do, Mrs. Snow? Aunt Polly says she hopes you are comfortable to-day, and shes sent you some calfsfoot jelly. Dear me! jelly? murmured a fretful voice, Of course Im very much obliged, but I was hoping twould be lamb broth to-day. Pollyanna frowned a little. Why, I thought it was CHICKEN you wanted when folks brought you jelly, she said. What? The sick woman turned sharply. Why, nothing, much, apologized Pollyanna, hurriedly; and of course it doesnt really make any difference. Its only
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that Nancy said it was chicken you wanted when we brought jelly, and lamb broth when we brought chickenbut maybe twas the other way, and Nancy forgot. The sick woman pulled herself up till she sat erect in the beda most unusual thing for her to do, though Pollyanna did not know this. Well, Miss Impertinence, who are you? she demanded. Pollyanna laughed gleefully. Oh, THAT isnt my name, Mrs. Snowand Im so glad tisnt, too! That would be worse than Hephzibah, wouldnt it? Im Pollyanna Whittier, Miss Polly Harringtons niece, and Ive come to live with her. Thats why Im here with the jelly this morning. All through the first part of this sentence, the sick woman had sat interestedly erect; but at the reference to the jelly she fell back on her pillow listlessly. Very well; thank you. Your aunt is very kind, of course, but my appetite isnt very good this morning, and I was wanting lamb She stopped suddenly, then went on with an abrupt change of subject. I never slept a wink last night not a wink! O dear, I wish I didnt, sighed Pollyanna, placing the jelly on the little stand and seating herself comfortably in the nearest chair. You lose such a lot of time just sleeping! Dont you think so? Lose timesleeping! exclaimed the sick woman. Yes, when you might be just living, you know. It seems such a pity we cant live nights, too. Once again the woman pulled herself erect in her bed.
Well, if you aint the amazing young one! she cried. Here! do you go to that window and pull up the curtain, she directed. I should like to know what you look like! Pollyanna rose to her feet, but she laughed a little ruefully. O dear! then youll see my freckles, wont you? she sighed, as she went to the window; and just when I was being so glad it was dark and you couldnt see em. There! Now you canoh! she broke off excitedly, as she turned back to the bed; Im so glad you wanted to see me, because now I can see you! They didnt tell me you were so pretty! Me!pretty! scoffed the woman, bitterly. Why, yes. Didnt you know it? cried Pollyanna. Well, no, I didnt, retorted Mrs. Snow, dryly. Mrs. Snow had lived forty years, and for fifteen of those years she had been too busy wishing things were different to find much time to enjoy things as they were. Oh, but your eyes are so big and dark, and your hairs all dark, too, and curly, cooed Pollyanna. I love black curls. (Thats one of the things Im going to have when I get to Heaven.) And youve got two little red spots in your cheeks. Why, Mrs. Snow, you ARE pretty! I should think youd know it when you looked at yourself in the glass. The glass! snapped the sick woman, falling back on her pillow. Yes, well, I haint done much prinkin before the mirror these daysand you wouldnt, if you was flat on your back as I am! Why, no, of course not, agreed Pollyanna, sympathetically. But waitjust let me show you, she exclaimed,
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skipping over to the bureau and picking up a small handglass. On the way back to the bed she stopped, eyeing the sick woman with a critical gaze. I reckon maybe, if you dont mind, Id like to fix your hair just a little before I let you see it, she proposed. May I fix your hair, please? Why, Isuppose so, if you want to, permitted Mrs. Snow, grudgingly; but twont stay, you know. Oh, thank you. I love to fix peoples hair, exulted Pollyanna, carefully laying down the hand-glass and reaching for a comb. I shant do much to-day, of courseIm in such a hurry for you to see how pretty you are; but some day Im going to take it all down and have a perfectly lovely time with it, she cried, touching with soft fingers the waving hair above the sick womans forehead. For five minutes Pollyanna worked swiftly, deftly, combing a refractory curl into fluffiness, perking up a drooping ruffle at the neck, or shaking a pillow into plumpness so that the head might have a better pose. Meanwhile the sick woman, frowning prodigiously, and openly scoffing at the whole procedure, was, in spite of herself, beginning to tingle with a feeling perilously near to excitement. There! panted Pollyanna, hastily plucking a pink from a vase near by and tucking it into the dark hair where it would give the best effect. Now I reckon were ready to be looked at! And she held out the mirror in triumph. Humph! grunted the sick woman, eyeing her reflection severely. I like red pinks better than pink ones; but then,
itll fade, anyhow, before night, so whats the difference! But I should think youd be glad they did fade, laughed Pollyanna, cause then you can have the fun of getting some more. I just love your hair fluffed out like that, she finished with a satisfied gaze. Dont you? Hm-m; maybe. Stilltwont last, with me tossing back and forth on the pillow as I do. Of course notand Im glad, too, nodded Pollyanna, cheerfully, because then I can fix it again. Anyhow, I should think youd be glad its blackblack shows up so much nicer on a pillow than yellow hair like mine does. Maybe; but I never did set much store by black hair shows gray too soon, retorted Mrs. Snow. She spoke fretfully, but she still held the mirror before her face. Oh, I love black hair! I should be so glad if I only had it, sighed Pollyanna. Mrs. Snow dropped the mirror and turned irritably. Well, you wouldnt!not if you were me. You wouldnt be glad for black hair nor anything elseif you had to lie here all day as I do! Pollyanna bent her brows in a thoughtful frown. Why, twould be kind of hardto do it then, wouldnt it? she mused aloud. Do what? Be glad about things. Be glad about thingswhen youre sick in bed all your days? Well, I should say it would, retorted Mrs. Snow. If you dont think so, just tell me something to be glad about; thats all!
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To Mrs. Snows unbounded amazement, Pollyanna sprang to her feet and clapped her hands. Oh, goody! Thatll be a hard onewont it? Ive got to go, now, but Ill think and think all the way home; and maybe the next time I come I can tell it to you. Good-by. Ive had a lovely time! Good-by, she called again, as she tripped through the doorway. Well, I never! Now, what does she mean by that? ejaculated Mrs. Snow, staring after her visitor. By and by she turned her head and picked up the mirror, eyeing her reflection critically. That little thing HAS got a knack with hair and no mistake, she muttered under her breath. I declare, I didnt know it could look so pretty. But then, whats the use? she sighed, dropping the little glass into the bedclothes, and rolling her head on the pillow fretfully. A little later, when Milly, Mrs. Snows daughter, came in, the mirror still lay among the bedclothes it had been carefully hidden from sight. Why, motherthe curtain is up! cried Milly, dividing her amazed stare between the window and the pink in her mothers hair. Well, what if it is? snapped the sick woman. I neednt stay in the dark all my life, if I am sick, need I? Why, n-no, of course not, rejoined Milly, in hasty conciliation, as she reached for the medicine bottle. Its onlywell, you know very well that Ive tried to get you to have a lighter room for ages and you wouldnt. There was no reply to this. Mrs. Snow was picking at the
lace on her nightgown. At last she spoke fretfully. I should think SOMEBODY might give me a new nightdressinstead of lamb broth, for a change! Whymother! No wonder Milly quite gasped aloud with bewilderment. In the drawer behind her at that moment lay two new nightdresses that Milly for months had been vainly urging her mother to wear.

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CHAPTER IX. WHICH TELLS OF THE MAN
t rained the next time Pollyanna saw the Man. She greeted him, however, with a bright smile. It isnt so nice to-day, is it? she called blithesomely. Im glad it doesnt rain always, anyhow! The man did not even grunt this time, nor turn his head. Pollyanna decided that of course he did not hear her. The next time, therefore (which happened to be the following day), she spoke up louder. She thought it particularly necessary to do this, anyway, for the Man was striding along, his hands behind his back, and his eyes on the ground which seemed, to Pollyanna, preposterous in the face of the glorious sunshine and the freshly-washed morning air: Pollyanna, as a special treat, was on a morning errand to-day. How do you do? she chirped. Im so glad it isnt yesterday, arent you? The man stopped abruptly. There was an angry scowl on his face. See here, little girl, we might just as well settle this thing right now, once for all, he began testily. Ive got something besides the weather to think of. I dont know whether the sun shines or not. Pollyanna beamed joyously. No, sir; I thought you didnt. Thats why I told you.
Yes; wellEh? What? he broke off sharply, in sudden understanding of her words. I say, thats why I told youso you would notice it, you knowthat the sun shines, and all that. I knew youd be glad it did if you only stopped to think of itand you didnt look a bit as if you WERE thinking of it! Well, of all the ejaculated the man, with an oddly impotent gesture. He started forward again, but after the second step he turned back, still frowning. See here, why dont you find some one your own age to talk to? Id like to, sir, but there arent any round here, Nancy says. Still, I dont mind so very much. I like old folks just as well, maybe better, sometimesbeing used to the Ladies Aid, so. Humph! The Ladies Aid, indeed! Is that what you took me for? The mans lips were threatening to smile, but the scowl above them was still trying to hold them grimly stern. Pollyanna laughed gleefully. Oh, no, sir. You dont look a mite like a Ladies Aider not but that youre just as good, of coursemaybe better, she added in hurried politeness. You see, Im sure youre much nicer than you look! The man made a queer noise in his throat. Well, of all the he ejaculated again, as he turned and strode on as before. The next time Pollyanna met the Man, his eyes were gazing straight into hers, with a quizzical directness that made
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his face look really pleasant, Pollyanna thought. Good afternoon, he greeted her a little stiffly. Perhaps Id better say right away that I KNOW the sun is shining to-day. But you dont have to tell me, nodded Pollyanna, brightly. I KNEW you knew it just as soon as I saw you. Oh, you did, did you? Yes, sir; I saw it in your eyes, you know, and in your smile. Humph! grunted the man, as he passed on. The Man always spoke to Pollyanna after this, and frequently he spoke first, though usually he said little but good afternoon. Even that, however, was a great surprise to Nancy, who chanced to be with Pollyanna one day when the greeting was given. Sakes alive, Miss Pollyanna, she gasped, did that man SPEAK TO YOU? Why, yes, he always doesnow, smiled Pollyanna. He always does! Goodness! Do you know whohe is? demanded Nancy. Pollyanna frowned and shook her head. I reckon he forgot to tell me one day. You see, I did my part of the introducing, but he didnt. Nancys eyes widened. But he never speaks ter anybody, childhe haint for years, I guess, except when he just has to, for business, and all that. Hes John Pendleton. He lives all by himself in the big house on Pendleton Hill. He wont even have any one round ter cook for himcomes down ter the hotel for his
meals three times a day. I know Sally Miner, who waits on him, and she says he hardly opens his head enough ter tell what he wants ter eat. She has ter guess it moren half the timeonly itll be somethin CHEAP! She knows that without no tellin. Pollyanna nodded sympathetically. I know. You have to look for cheap things when youre poor. Father and I took meals out a lot. We had beans and fish balls most generally. We used to say how glad we were we liked beansthat is, we said it specially when we were looking at the roast turkey place, you know, that was sixty cents. Does Mr. Pendleton like beans? Like em! What if he doesor dont? Why, Miss Pollyanna, he aint poor. Hes got loads of money, John Pendleton hasfrom his father. There aint nobody in town as rich as he is. He could eat dollar bills, if he wanted toand not know it. Pollyanna giggled. As if anybody COULD eat dollar bills and not know it, Nancy, when they come to try to chew em! Ho! I mean hes rich enough ter do it, shrugged Nancy. He aint spendin his money, thats all. Hes a-savin of it. Oh, for the heathen, surmised Pollyanna. How perfectly splendid! Thats denying yourself and taking up your cross. I know; father told me. Nancys lips parted abruptly, as if there were angry words all ready to come; but her eyes, resting on Pollyannas jubilantly trustful face, saw something that prevented the words being spoken.
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Humph! she vouchsafed. Then, showing her old-time interest, she went on: But, say, it is queer, his speakin to you, honestly, Miss Pollyanna. He dont speak ter no one; and he lives all alone in a great big lovely house all full of jest grand things, they say. Some says hes crazy, and some jest cross; and some says hes got a skeleton in his closet. Oh, Nancy! shuddered Pollyanna. How can he keep such a dreadful thing? I should think hed throw it away! Nancy chuckled. That Pollyanna had taken the skeleton literally instead of figuratively, she knew very well; but, perversely, she refrained from correcting the mistake. And EVERYBODY says hes mysterious, she went on. Some years he jest travels, week in and week out, and its always in heathen countriesEgypt and Asia and the Desert of Sarah, you know. Oh, a missionary, nodded Pollyanna. Nancy laughed oddly. Well, I didnt say that, Miss Pollyanna. When he comes back he writes booksqueer, odd books, they say, about some gimcrack hes found in them heathen countries. But he dont never seem ter want ter spend no money here leastways, not for jest livin. Of course notif hes saving it for the heathen, declared Pollyanna. But he is a funny man, and hes different, too, just like Mrs. Snow, only hes a different different. Well, I guess he israther, chuckled Nancy. Im gladdern ever now, anyhow, that he speaks to me, sighed Pollyanna contentedly.
CHAPTER X. A SURPRISE FOR MRS. SNOW
he next time Pollyanna went to see Mrs. Snow, she found that lady, as at first, in a darkened room. Its the little girl from Miss Pollys, mother, announced Milly, in a tired manner; then Pollyanna found herself alone with the invalid. Oh, its you, is it? asked a fretful voice from the bed. I remember you. ANYbodyd remember you, I guess, if they saw you once. I wish you had come yesterday. I WANTED you yesterday. Did you? Well, Im glad tisnt any farther away from yesterday than to-day is, then, laughed Pollyanna, advancing cheerily into the room, and setting her basket carefully down on a chair. My! but arent you dark here, though? I cant see you a bit, she cried, unhesitatingly crossing to the window and pulling up the shade. I want to see if youve fixed your hair like I didoh, you havent! But, never mind; Im glad you havent, after all, cause maybe youll let me do itlater. But now I want you to see what Ive brought you. The woman stirred restlessly. Just as if how it looks would make any difference in how it tastes, she scoffedbut she turned her eyes toward the basket. Well, what is it?
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Guess! What do you want? Pollyanna had skipped back to the basket. Her face was alight. The sick woman frowned. Why, I dont WANT anything, as I know of, she sighed. After all, they all taste alike! Pollyanna chuckled. This wont. Guess! If you DID want something, what would it be? The woman hesitated. She did not realize it herself, but she had so long been accustomed to wanting what she did not have, that to state off-hand what she DID want seemed impossibleuntil she knew what she had. Obviously, however, she must say something. This extraordinary child was waiting. Well, of course, theres lamb broth Ive got it! crowed Pollyanna. But thats what I DIDNT want, sighed the sick woman, sure now of what her stomach craved. It was chicken I wanted. Oh, Ive got that, too, chuckled Pollyanna. The woman turned in amazement. Both of them? she demanded. Yesand calfs-foot jelly, triumphed Pollyanna. I was just bound you should have what you wanted for once; so Nancy and I fixed it. Oh, of course, theres only a little of eachbut theres some of all of em! Im so glad you did want chicken, she went on contentedly, as she lifted the three little bowls from her basket. You see, I got to thinking on the way herewhat if you should say tripe, or onions,
or something like that, that I didnt have! Wouldnt it have been a shamewhen Id tried so hard? she laughed merrily. There was no reply. The sick woman seemed to be tryingmentally to find something she had lost. There! Im to leave them all, announced Pollyanna, as she arranged the three bowls in a row on the table. Like enough itll be lamb broth you want to-morrow. How do you do to-day? she finished in polite inquiry. Very poorly, thank you, murmured Mrs. Snow, falling back into her usual listless attitude. I lost my nap this morning. Nellie Higgins next door has begun music lessons, and her practising drives me nearly wild. She was at it all the morningevery minute! Im sure, I dont know what I shall do! Polly nodded sympathetically. I know. It IS awful! Mrs. White had it onceone of my Ladies Aiders, you know. She had rheumatic fever, too, at the same time, so she couldnt thrash round. She said twould have been easier if she could have. Can you? Can Iwhat? Thrash roundmove, you know, so as to change your position when the music gets too hard to stand. Mrs. Snow stared a little. Why, of course I can moveanywherein bed, she rejoined a little irritably. Well, you can be glad of that, then, anyhow. cant you? nodded Pollyanna. Mrs. White couldnt. You cant thrash when you have rheumatic feverthough you want to some Pollyanna
thing awful, Mrs. White says. She told me afterwards she reckoned shed have gone raving crazy if it hadnt been for Mr. Whites sisters earsbeing deaf, so. SistersEARS! What do you mean? Pollyanna laughed. Well, I reckon I didnt tell it all, and I forgot you didnt know Mrs. White. You see, Miss White was deafawfully deaf; and she came to visit em and to help take care of Mrs. White and the house. Well, they had such an awful time making her understand ANYTHING, that after that, every time the piano commenced to play across the street, Mrs. White felt so glad she COULD hear it, that she didnt mind so much that she DID hear it, cause she couldnt help thinking how awful twould be if she was deaf and couldnt hear anything, like her husbands sister. You see, she was playing the game, too. Id told her about it. Thegame? Pollyanna clapped her hands. There! I most forgot; but Ive thought it up, Mrs. Snow what you can be glad about. GLAD about! What do you mean? Why, I told you I would. Dont you remember? You asked me to tell you something to be glad aboutglad, you know, even though you did have to lie here abed all day. Oh! scoffed the woman. THAT? Yes, I remember that; but I didnt suppose you were in earnest any more than I was. Oh, yes, I was, nodded Pollyanna, triumphantly; and I found it, too. But TWAS hard. Its all the more fun, though,
always, when tis hard. And I will own up, honest to true, that I couldnt think of anything for a while. Then I got it. Did you, really? Well, what is it? Mrs. Snows voice was sarcastically polite. Pollyanna drew a long breath. I thoughthow glad you could bethat other folks werent like youall sick in bed like this, you know, she announced impressively. Mrs, Snow stared. Her eyes were angry. Well, really! she ejaculated then, in not quite an agreeable tone of voice. And now Ill tell you the game, proposed Pollyanna, blithely confident. Itll be just lovely for you to playitll be so hard. And theres so much more fun when it is hard! You see, its like this. And she began to tell of the missionary barrel, the crutches, and the doll that did not come. The story was just finished when Milly appeared at the door. Your aunt is wanting you, Miss Pollyanna, she said with dreary listlessness. She telephoned down to the Harlows across the way. She says youre to hurrythat youve got some practising to make up before dark. Pollyanna rose reluctantly. All right, she sighed. Ill hurry. Suddenly she laughed. I suppose I ought to be glad Ive got legs to hurry with, hadnt I, Mrs., Snow? There was no answer. Mrs. Snows eyes were closed. But Milly, whose eyes were wide open with surprise, saw that there were tears on the wasted cheeks.
Pollyanna
Good-by, flung Pollyanna over her shoulder, as she reached the door. Im awfully sorry about the hairI wanted to do it. But maybe I can next time! One by one the July days passed. To Pollyanna, they were happy days, indeed. She often told her aunt, joyously, how very happy they were. Whereupon her aunt would usually reply, wearily: Very well, Pollyanna. I am gratified, of course, that they are happy; but I trust that they are profitable, as wellotherwise I should have failed signally in my duty. Generally Pollyanna would answer this with a hug and a kissa proceeding that was still always most disconcerting to Miss Polly; but one day she spoke. It was during the sewing hour. Do you mean that it wouldnt be enough then, Aunt Polly, that they should be just happy days? she asked wistfully. That is what I mean, Pollyanna. They must be pro-fi-ta-ble as well? Certainly. What is being pro-fi-ta-ble? Why, itits just being profitablehaving profit, something to show for it, Pollyanna. What an extraordinary child you are! Then just being glad isnt pro-fi-ta-ble? questioned Pollyanna, a little anxiously. Certainly not. O dear! Then you wouldnt like it, of course. Im afraid, now, you wont ever play the game, Aunt Polly. Game? What game?
Why, that father Pollyanna clapped her hand to her lips. N-nothing, she stammered. Miss Polly frowned. That will do for this morning, Pollyanna, she said tersely. And the sewing lesson was over. It was that afternoon that Pollyanna, coming down from her attic room, met her aunt on the stairway. Why, Aunt Polly, how perfectly lovely! she cried. You were coming up to see me! Come right in. I love company, she finished, scampering up the stairs and throwing her door wide open. Now Miss Polly had not been intending to call on her niece. She had been planning to look for a certain white wool shawl in the cedar chest near the east window. But to her unbounded surprise now, she found herself, not in the main attic before the cedar chest, but in Pollyannas little room sitting in one of the straight-backed chairsso many, many times since Pollyanna came, Miss Polly had found herself like this, doing some utterly unexpected, surprising thing, quite unlike the thing she had set out to do! I love company, said Pollyanna, again, flitting about as if she were dispensing the hospitality of a palace; specially since Ive had this room, all mine, you know. Oh, of course, I had a room, always, but twas a hired room, and hired rooms arent half as nice as owned ones, are they? And of course I do own this one, dont I? Why, y-yes, Pollyanna, murmured Miss Polly, vaguely wondering why she did not get up at once and go to look for that shawl. And of course NOW I just love this room, even if it hasnt
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got the carpets and curtains and pictures that Id been want With a painful blush Pollyanna stopped short. She was plunging into an entirely different sentence when her aunt interrupted her sharply. Whats that, Pollyanna? N-nothing, Aunt Polly, truly. I didnt mean to say it. Probably not, returned Miss Polly, coldly; but you did say it, so suppose we have the rest of it. But it wasnt anything only that Id been kind of planning on pretty carpets and lace curtains and things, you know,. But, of course PLANNING on them! interrupted Miss Polly, sharply. Pollyanna blushed still more painfully. I ought not to have, of course, Aunt Polly, she apologized. It was only because Id always wanted them and hadnt had them, I suppose. Oh, wed had two rugs in the barrels, but they were little, you know, and one had ink spots, and the other holes; and there never were only those two pictures; the one fathI mean the good one we sold, and the bad one that broke. Of course if it hadnt been for all that I shouldnt have wanted them, sopretty things, I mean; and I shouldnt have got to planning all through the hall that first day how pretty mine would be here, andand But, truly, Aunt Polly, it wasnt but just a minuteI mean, a few minutesbefore I was being glad that the bureau DIDNT have a looking-glass, because it didnt show my freckles; and there couldnt be a nicer picture than the one out my window there; and youve been so good to me, that Miss Polly rose suddenly to her feet. Her face was very
red. That will do, Pollyanna, she said stiffly. You have said quite enough, Im sure. The next minute she had swept down the stairsand not until she reached the first floor did it suddenly occur to her that she had gone up into the attic to find a white wool shawl in the cedar chest near the east window. Less than twenty-four hours later, Miss Polly said to Nancy, crisply: Nancy, you may move Miss Pollyannas things downstairs this morning to the room directly beneath. I have decided to have my niece sleep there for the present. Yes, maam, said Nancy aloud. O glory! said Nancy to herself. To Pollyanna, a minute later, she cried joyously: And wont ye jest be listenin ter this, Miss Pollyanna. Youre ter sleep down-stairs in the room straight under this. You areyou are! Pollyanna actually grew white. You meanwhy, Nancy, not reallyreally and truly? I guess youll think its really and truly, prophesied Nancy, exultingly, nodding her head to Pollyanna over the armful of dresses she had taken from the closet. Im told ter take down yer things, and Im goin ter take em, too, fore she gets a chance ter change her mind. Pollyanna did not stop to hear the end of this sentence. At the imminent risk of being dashed headlong, she was flying down-stairs, two steps at a time. Bang went two doors and a chair before Pollyanna at last
Pollyanna
reached her goalAunt Polly. Oh, Aunt Polly, Aunt Polly, did you mean it, really? Why, that rooms got EVERYTHINGthe carpet and curtains and three pictures, besides the one outdoors, too, cause the windows look the same way. Oh, Aunt Polly! Very well, Pollyanna. I am gratified that you like the change, of course; but if you think so much of all those things, I trust you will take proper care of them; thats all. Pollyanna, please pick up that chair; and you have banged two doors in the last half-minute. Miss Polly spoke sternly, all the more sternly because, for some inexplicable reason, she felt inclined to cryand Miss Polly was not used to feeling inclined to cry. Pollyanna picked up the chair. Yesm; I know I banged emthose doors, she admitted cheerfully. You see Id just found out about the room, and I reckon youd have banged doors if Pollyanna stopped short and eyed her aunt with new interest. Aunt Polly, DID you ever bang doors? I hopenot, Pollyanna! Miss Pollys voice was properly shocked. Why, Aunt Polly, what a shame! Pollyannas face expressed only concerned sympathy. A shame! repeated Aunt Polly, too dazed to say more. Why, yes. You see, if youd felt like banging doors youd have banged em, of course; and if you didnt, that must have meant that you werent ever glad over anythingor you would have banged em. You couldnt have helped it. And Im so sorry you werent ever glad over anything!
PollyANna! gasped the lady; but Pollyanna was gone, and only the distant bang of the attic-stairway door answered for her. Pollyanna had gone to help Nancy bring down her things. Miss Polly, in the sitting room, felt vaguely disturbed; but then, of course she HAD been gladover some things!

Pollyanna
CHAPTER XI. INTRODUCING JIMMY
ugust came. August brought several surprises and some changesnone of which, however, were really a surprise to Nancy. Nancy, since Pollyannas arrival, had come to look for surprises and changes. First there was the kitten. Pollyanna found the kitten mewing pitifully some distance down the road. When systematic questioning of the neighbors failed to find any one who claimed it, Pollyanna brought it home at once, as a matter of course. And I was glad I didnt find any one who owned it, too, she told her aunt in happy confidence; cause I wanted to bring it home all the time. I love kitties. I knew youd be glad to let it live here. Miss Polly looked at the forlorn little gray bunch of neglected misery in Pollyannas arms, and shivered: Miss Polly did not care for catsnot even pretty, healthy, clean ones. Ugh! Pollyanna! What a dirty little beast! And its sick, Im sure, and all mangy and fleay. I know it, poor little thing, crooned Pollyanna, tenderly, looking into the little creatures frightened eyes. And its all trembly, too, its so scared. You see it doesnt know, yet, that were going to keep it, of course.
Nonor anybody else, retorted Miss Polly, with meaning emphasis. Oh, yes, they do, nodded Pollyanna, entirely misunderstanding her aunts words. I told everybody we should keep it, if I didnt find where it belonged. I knew youd be glad to have itpoor little lonesome thing! Miss Polly opened her lips and tried to speak; but in vain. The curious helpless feeling that had been hers so often since Pollyannas arrival, had her now fast in its grip. Of course I knew, hurried on Pollyanna, gratefully, that you wouldnt let a dear little lonesome kitty go hunting for a home when youd just taken ME in; and I said so to Mrs. Ford when she asked if youd let me keep it. Why, I had the Ladies Aid, you know, and kitty didnt have anybody. I knew youd feel that way, she nodded happily, as she ran from the room. But, Pollyanna, Pollyanna, remonstrated Miss Polly. I dont But Pollyanna was already halfway to the kitchen, calling: Nancy, Nancy, just see this dear little kitty that Aunt Polly is going to bring up along with me! And Aunt Polly, in the sitting roomwho abhorred catsfell back in her chair with a gasp of dismay, powerless to remonstrate. The next day it was a dog, even dirtier and more forlorn, perhaps, than was the kitten; and again Miss Polly, to her dumfounded amazement, found herself figuring as a kind protector and an angel of mercya role that Pollyanna so unhesitatingly thrust upon her as a matter of course, that the womanwho abhorred dogs even more than she did
Pollyanna
cats, if possiblefound herself as before, powerless to remonstrate. When, in less than a week, however, Pollyanna brought home a small, ragged boy, and confidently claimed the same protection for him, Miss Polly did have something to say. It happened after this wise. On a pleasant Thursday morning Pollyanna had been taking calfs-foot jelly again to Mrs. Snow. Mrs. Snow and Pollyanna were the best of friends now. Their friendship had started from the third visit Pollyanna had made, the one after she had told Mrs. Snow of the game. Mrs. Snow herself was playing the game now, with Pollyanna. To be sure, she was not playing it very wellshe had been sorry for everything for so long, that it was not easy to be glad for anything now. But under Pollyannas cheery instructions and merry laughter at her mistakes, she was learning fast. To-day, even, to Pollyannas huge delight, she had said that she was glad Pollyanna brought calfs-foot jelly, because that was just what she had been wantingshe did not know that Milly, at the front door, had told Pollyanna that the ministers wife had already that day sent over a great bowlful of that same kind of jelly. Pollyanna was thinking of this now when suddenly she saw the boy. The boy was sitting in a disconsolate little heap by the roadside, whittling half-heartedly at a small stick. Hullo, smiled Pollyanna, engagingly. The boy glanced up, but he looked away again, at once. Hullo yourself, he mumbled.
Pollyanna laughed. Now you dont look as if youd be glad even for calfsfoot jelly, she chuckled, stopping before him. The boy stirred restlessly, gave her a surprised look, and began to whittle again at his stick, with the dull, brokenbladed knife in his hand. Pollyanna hesitated, then dropped herself comfortably down on the grass near him. In spite of Pollyannas brave assertion that she was used to Ladies Aiders, and didnt mind, she had sighed at times for some companion of her own age. Hence her determination to make the most of this one. My names Pollyanna Whittier, she began pleasantly. Whats yours? Again the boy stirred restlessly. He even almost got to his feet. But he settled back. Jimmy Bean, he grunted with ungracious indifference. Good! Now were introduced. Im glad you did your partsome folks dont, you know. I live at Miss Polly Harringtons house. Where do you live? Nowhere. Nowhere! Why, you cant do thateverybody lives somewhere, asserted Pollyanna. Well, I dontjust now. Im huntin up a new place. Oh! Where is it? The boy regarded her with scornful eyes. Silly! As if Id be a-huntin for itif I knew! Pollyanna tossed her head a little. This was not a nice boy, and she did not like to be called silly. Still, he was some Pollyanna
body besidesold folks. Where did you livebefore? she queried. Well, if you aint the beatem for askin questions! sighed the boy impatiently. I have to be, retorted Pollyanna calmly, else I couldnt find out a thing about you. If youd talk more I wouldnt talk so much. The boy gave a short laugh. It was a sheepish laugh, and not quite a willing one; but his face looked a little pleasanter when he spoke this time. All right thenhere goes! Im Jimmy Bean, and Im ten years old goin on eleven. I come last year ter live at the Orphans Home; but theyve got so many kids there aint much room for me, an I want never wanted, anyhow, I dont believe. So Ive quit. Im goin ter live somewheres elsebut I haint found the place, yet. Id LIKE a homejest a common one, ye know, with a mother in it, instead of a Matron. If ye has a home, ye has folks; an I haint had folks sincedad died. So Im a-huntin now. Ive tried four houses, butthey didnt want methough I said I expected ter work, course. There! Is that all you want ter know? The boys voice had broken a little over the last two sentences. Why, what a shame! sympathized Pollyanna. And didnt there anybody want you? O dear! I know just how you feel, because afterafter my father died, too, there wasnt anybody but the Ladies Aid for me, until Aunt Polly said shed take Pollyanna stopped abruptly. The dawning of a wonderful idea began to show in her face. Oh, I know just the place for you, she cried. Aunt Pollyll
take youI know she will! Didnt she take me? And didnt she take Fluffy and Buffy, when they didnt have any one to love them, or any place to go?and theyre only cats and dogs. Oh, come, I know Aunt Pollyll take you! You dont know how good and kind she is! Jimmy Beans thin little face brightened. Honest Injun? Would she, now? Id work, ye know, an Im real strong! He bared a small, bony arm. Of course she would! Why, my Aunt Polly is the nicest lady in the worldnow that my mama has gone to be a Heaven angel. And theres roomsheaps of em, she continued, springing to her feet, and tugging at his arm. Its an awful big house. Maybe, though, she added a little anxiously, as they hurried on, maybe youll have to sleep in the attic room. I did, at first. But theres screens there now, so twont be so hot, and the flies cant get in, either, to bring in the germ-things on their feet. Did you know about that? Its perfectly lovely! Maybe shell let you read the book if youre goodI mean, if youre bad. And youve got freckles, too,with a critical glanceso youll be glad there isnt any looking-glass; and the outdoor picture is nicer than any wall-one could be, so you wont mind sleeping in that room at all, Im sure, panted Pollyanna, finding suddenly that she needed the rest of her breath for purposes other than talking. Gorry! exclaimed Jimmy Bean tersely and uncomprehendingly, but admiringly. Then he added: I shouldnt think anybody who could talk like that, runnin, would need ter ask no questions ter fill up time with!
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Pollyanna laughed. Well, anyhow, you can be glad of that, she retorted; for when Im talking, YOU dont have to! When the house was reached, Pollyanna unhesitatingly piloted her companion straight into the presence of her amazed aunt. Oh, Aunt Polly, she triumphed. just look a-here! Ive got something ever so much nicer, even, than Fluffy and Buffy for you to bring up. Its a real live boy. He wont mind a bit sleeping in the attic, at first, you know, and he says hell work; but I shall need him the most of the time to play with, I reckon. Miss Polly grew white, then very red. She did not quite understand; but she thought she understood enough. Pollyanna, what does this mean? Who is this dirty little boy? Where did you find him? she demanded sharply. The dirty little boy fell back a step and looked toward the door. Pollyanna laughed merrily. There, if I didnt forget to tell you his name! Im as bad as the Man. And he is dirty, too, isnt he?I mean, the boy is just like Fluffy and Buffy were when you took them in. But I reckon hell improve all right by washing, just as they did, andOh, I most forgot again, she broke off with a laugh. This is Jimmy Bean, Aunt Polly. Well, what is he doing here? Why, Aunt Polly, I just told you! Pollyannas eyes were wide with surprise. Hes for you. I brought him homeso he could live here, you know. He wants a home and folks. I told him how good you were to me, and to Fluffy and Buffy,
and that I knew you would be to him, because of course hes even nicer than cats and dogs. Miss Polly dropped back in her chair and raised a shaking hand to her throat. The old helplessness was threatening once more to overcome her. With a visible struggle, however, Miss Polly pulled herself suddenly erect. That will do, Pollyanna. This is a little the most absurd thing youve done yet. As if tramp cats and mangy dogs werent bad enough but you must needs bring home ragged little beggars from the street, who There was a sudden stir from the boy. His eyes flashed and his chin came up. With two strides of his sturdy little legs he confronted Miss Polly fearlessly. I aint a beggar, marm, an I dont want nothin o you. I was callatin ter work, of course, fur my board an keep. I wouldnt have come ter your old house, anyhow, if this ere girl hadnt a made me, a-tellin me how you was so good an kind that youd be jest dyin ter take me in. So, there! And he wheeled about and stalked from the room with a dignity that would have been absurd had it not been so pitiful. Oh, Aunt Polly, choked Pollyanna. Why, I thought youd be GLAD to have him here! Im sure, I should think youd be glad Miss Polly raised her hand with a peremptory gesture of silence. Miss Pollys nerves had snapped at last. The good and kind of the boys words were still ringing in her ears, and the old helplessness was almost upon her, she knew. Yet she rallied her forces with the last atom of her will power. Pollyanna, she cried sharply, WILL you stop using
Pollyanna
that everlasting word glad! Its gladgladglad from morning till night until I think I shall grow wild! From sheer amazement Pollyannas jaw dropped. Why, Aunt Polly, she breathed, I should think youd be glad to have me glOh! she broke off, clapping her hand to her lips and hurrying blindly from the room. Before the boy had reached the end of the driveway, Pollyanna overtook him. Boy! Boy! Jimmy Bean, I want you to know howhow sorry I am, she panted, catching him with a detaining hand. Sorry nothin! I aint blamin you, retorted the boy, sullenly. But I aint no beggar! he added, with sudden spirit. Of course you arent! But you mustnt blame auntie, appealed Pollyanna. Probably I didnt do the introducing right, anyhow; and I reckon I didnt tell her much who you were. She is good and kind, reallyshes always been; but I probably didnt explain it right. I do wish I could find some place for you, though! The boy shrugged his shoulders and half turned away. Never mind. I guess I can find one myself. I aint no beggar, you know. Pollyanna was frowning thoughtfully. Of a sudden she turned, her face illumined. Say, Ill tell you what I WILL do! The Ladies Aid meets this afternoon. I heard Aunt Polly say so. Ill lay your case before them. Thats what father always did, when he wanted anythingeducating the heathen and new carpets, you know.
The boy turned fiercely. Well, I aint a heathen or a new carpet. Besideswhat is a Ladies Aid? Pollyanna stared in shocked disapproval. Why, Jimmy Bean, wherever have you been brought up?not to know what a Ladies Aid is! Oh, all rightif you aint tellin, grunted the boy, turning and beginning to walk away indifferently. Pollyanna sprang to his side at once. Itsitswhy, its just a lot of ladies that meet and sew and give suppers and raise money andand talk; thats what a Ladies Aid is. Theyre awfully kindthat is, most of mine was, back home. I havent seen this one here, but theyre always good, I reckon. Im going to tell them about you this afternoon. Again the boy turned fiercely. Not much you will! Maybe you think Im goin ter stand round an hear a whole LOT o women call me a beggar, instead of jest ONE! Not much! Oh, but you wouldnt be there, argued Pollyanna, quickly. Id go alone, of course, and tell them. You would? Yes; and Id tell it better this time, hurried on Pollyanna, quick to see the signs of relenting in the boys face. And thered be some of em, I know, that would be glad to give you a home. Id workdont forget ter say that, cautioned the boy. Of course not, promised Pollyanna, happily, sure now that her point was gained. Then Ill let you know to-mor Pollyanna
row. Where? By the roadwhere I found you to-day; near Mrs. Snows house. All right. Ill be there. The boy paused before he went on slowly: Maybe Id better go back, then, for ter-night, ter the Home. You see I haint no other place ter stay; andand I didnt leave till this mornin. I slipped out. I didnt tell em I wasnt comin back, else theyd pretend I couldnt come though Im thinkin they wont do no worryin when I dont show up sometime. They aint like FOLKS, ye know. They dont CARE! I know, nodded Pollyanna, with understanding eyes. But Im sure, when I see you to-morrow, Ill have just a common home and folks that do care all ready for you. Good-by! she called brightly, as she turned back toward the house. In the sitting-room window at that moment, Miss Polly, who had been watching the two children, followed with sombre eyes the boy until a bend of the road hid him from sight. Then she sighed, turned, and walked listlesly upstairsand Miss Polly did not usually move listlessly. In her ears still was the boys scornful you was so good and kind. In her heart was a curious sense of desolationas of something lost.

CHAPTER XII. BEFORE THE LADIES AID
inner, which came at noon in the Harrington homestead, was a silent meal on the day of the Ladies Aid meeting. Pollyanna, it is true, tried to talk; but she did not make a success of it, chiefly because four times she was obliged to break off a glad in the middle of it, much to her blushing discomfort. The fifth time it happened, Miss Polly moved her head wearily. There, there, child, say it, if you want to, she sighed. Im sure Id rather you did than not if its going to make all this fuss. Pollyannas puckered little face cleared. Oh, thank you. Im afraid it would be pretty hardnot to say it. You see Ive played it so long. Youvewhat? demanded Aunt Polly. Played itthe game, you know, that father Pollyanna stopped with a painful blush at finding herself so soon again on forbidden ground. Aunt Polly frowned and said nothing. The rest of the meal was a silent one. Pollyanna was not sorry to hear Aunt Polly tell the ministers wife over the telephone, a little later, that she would not be at the Ladies Aid meeting that afternoon, owing to a
Pollyanna

headache. When Aunt Polly went up-stairs to her room and closed the door, Pollyanna tried to be sorry for the headache; but she could not help feeling glad that her aunt was not to be present that afternoon when she laid the case of Jimmy Bean before the Ladies Aid. She could not forget that Aunt Polly had called Jimmy Bean a little beggar; and she did not want Aunt Polly to call him thatbefore the Ladies Aid. Pollyanna knew that the Ladies Aid met at two oclock in the chapel next the church, not quite half a mile from home. She planned her going, therefore, so that she should get there a little before three. I want them all to be there, she said to herself; else the very one that wasnt there might be the one who would be wanting to give Jimmy Bean a home; and, of course, two oclock always means three, reallyto Ladies Aiders. Quietly, but with confident courage, Pollyanna ascended the chapel steps, pushed open the door and entered the vestibule. A soft babel of feminine chatter and laughter came from the main room. Hesitating only a brief moment Pollyanna pushed open one of the inner doors. The chatter dropped to a surprised hush. Pollyanna advanced a little timidly. Now that the time had come, she felt unwontedly shy. After all, these half-strange, half-familiar faces about her were not her own dear Ladies Aid. How do you do, Ladies Aiders? she faltered politely. Im Pollyanna Whittier. II reckon some of you know me, maybe; anyway, I do YOUonly I dont know you all together this way.
The silence could almost be felt now. Some of the ladies did know this rather extraordinary niece of their fellowmember, and nearly all had heard of her; but not one of them could think of anything to say, just then. IIve come toto lay the case before you, stammered Pollyanna, after a moment, unconsciously falling into her fathers familiar phraseology. There was a slight rustle. Diddid your aunt send you, my dear? asked Mrs. Ford, the ministers wife. Pollyanna colored a little. Oh, no. I came all by myself. You see, Im used to Ladies Aiders. It was Ladies Aiders that brought me upwith father. Somebody tittered hysterically, and the ministers wife frowned. Yes, dear. What is it? Well, itits Jimmy Bean, sighed Pollyanna. He hasnt any home except the Orphan one, and theyre full, and dont want him, anyhow, he thinks; so he wants another. He wants one of the common kind, that has a mother instead of a Matron in itfolks, you know, thatll care. Hes ten years old going on eleven. I thought some of you might like him to live with you, you know. Well, did you ever! murmured a voice, breaking the dazed pause that followed Pollyannas words. With anxious eyes Pollyanna swept the circle of faces about her. Oh, I forgot to say; he will work, she supplemented ea Pollyanna
gerly. Still there was silence; then, coldly, one or two women began to question her. After a time they all had the story and began to talk among themselves, animatedly, not quite pleasantly. Pollyanna listened with growing anxiety. Some of what was said she could not understand. She did gather, after a time, however, that there was no woman there who had a home to give him, though every woman seemed to think that some of the others might take him, as there were several who had no little boys of their own already in their homes. But there was no one who agreed herself to take him. Then she heard the ministers wife suggest timidly that they, as a society, might perhaps assume his support and education instead of sending quite so much money this year to the little boys in far-away India. A great many ladies talked then, and several of them talked all at once, and even more loudly and more unpleasantly than before. It seemed that their society was famous for its offering to Hindu missions, and several said they should die of mortification if it should be less this year. Some of what was said at this time Pollyanna again thought she could not have understood, too, for it sounded almost as if they did not care at all what the money DID, so long as the sum opposite the name of their society in a certain report headed the listand of course that could not be what they meant at all! But it was all very confusing, and not quite pleasant, so that Pollyanna was glad, indeed, when at last she found herself outside in the hushed, sweet aironly she was very
sorry, too: for she knew it was not going to be easy, or anything but sad, to tell Jimmy Bean to-morrow that the Ladies Aid had decided that they would rather send all their money to bring up the little India boys than to save out enough to bring up one little boy in their own town, for which they would not get a bit of credit in the report, according to the tall lady who wore spectacles. Not but that its good, of course, to send money to the heathen, and I shouldnt want em not to send SOME there, sighed Pollyanna to herself, as she trudged sorrowfully along. But they acted as if little boys HERE werent any accountonly little boys way off. I should THINK, though, theyd rather see Jimmy Bean growthan just a report!
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Pollyanna
CHAPTER XIII. IN PENDLETON WOODS
ollyanna had not turned her steps toward home, when she left the chapel. She had turned them, instead, toward Pendleton Hill. It had been a hard day, for all it had been a vacation one (as she termed the infrequent days when there was no sewing or cooking lesson), and Pollyanna was sure that nothing would do her quite so much good as a walk through the green quiet of Pendleton Woods. Up Pendleton Hill, therefore, she climbed steadily, in spite of the warm sun on her back. I dont have to get home till half-past five, anyway, she was telling herself; and itll be so much nicer to go around by the way of the woods, even if I do have to climb to get there. It was very beautiful in the Pendleton Woods, as Pollyanna knew by experience. But to-day it seemed even more delightful than ever, notwithstanding her disappointment over what she must tell Jimmy Bean to-morrow. I wish they were up hereall those ladies who talked so loud, sighed Pollyanna to herself, raising her eyes to the patches of vivid blue between the sunlit green of the treetops. Anyhow, if they were up here, I just reckon theyd change and take Jimmy Bean for their little boy, all right,
she finished, secure in her conviction, but unable to give a reason for it, even to herself. Suddenly Pollyanna lifted her head and listened. A dog had barked some distance ahead. A moment later he came dashing toward her, still barking. Hullo, doggiehullo! Pollyanna snapped her fingers at the dog and looked expectantly down the path. She had seen the dog once before, she was sure. He had been then with the Man, Mr. John Pendleton. She was looking now, hoping to see him. For some minutes she watched eagerly, but he did not appear. Then she turned her attention toward the dog. The dog, as even Pollyanna could see, was acting strangely. He was still barkinggiving little short, sharp yelps, as if of alarm. He was running back and forth, too, in the path ahead. Soon they reached a side path, and down this the little dog fairly flew, only to come back at once, whining and barking. Ho! That isnt the way home, laughed Pollyanna, still keeping to the main path. The little dog seemed frantic now. Back and forth, back and forth, between Pollyanna and the side path he vibrated, barking and whining pitifully. Every quiver of his little brown body, and every glance from his beseeching brown eyes were eloquent with appealso eloquent that at last Pollyanna understood, turned, and followed him. Straight ahead, now, the little dog dashed madly; and it was not long before Pollyanna came upon the reason for it all: a man lying motionless at the foot of a steep, overhang10 Pollyanna
ing mass of rock a few yards from the side path. A twig cracked sharply under Pollyannas foot, and the man turned his head. With a cry of dismay Pollyanna ran to his side. Mr. Pendleton! Oh, are you hurt? Hurt? Oh, no! Im just taking a siesta in the sunshine, snapped the man irritably. See here, how much do you know? What can you do? Have you got any sense? Pollyanna caught her breath with a little gasp, butas was her habitshe answered the questions literally, one by one. Why, Mr. Pendleton, II dont know so very much, and I cant do a great many things; but most of the Ladies Aiders, except Mrs. Rawson, said I had real good sense. I heard em say so one daythey didnt know I heard, though. The man smiled grimly. There, there, child, I beg your pardon, Im sure; its only this confounded leg of mine. Now listen. He paused, and with some difficulty reached his hand into his trousers pocket and brought out a bunch of keys, singling out one between his thumb and forefinger. Straight through the path there, about five minutes walk, is my house. This key will admit you to the side door under the porte-cochere. Do you know what a porte-cochere is? Oh, yes, sir. Auntie has one with a sun parlor over it. Thats the roof I slept ononly I didnt sleep, you know. They found me. Eh? Oh! Well, when you get into the house, go straight through the vestibule and hall to the door at the end. On
the big, flat-topped desk in the middle of the room youll find a telephone. Do you know how to use a telephone? Oh, yes, sir! Why, once when Aunt Polly Never mind Aunt Polly now, cut in the man scowlingly, as he tried to move himself a little. Hunt up Dr. Thomas Chiltons number on the card youll find somewhere around thereit ought to be on the hook down at the side, but it probably wont be. You know a telephone card, I suppose, when you see one! Oh, yes, sir! I just love Aunt Pollys. Theres such a lot of queer names, and Tell Dr. Chilton that John Pendleton is at the foot of Little Eagle Ledge in Pendleton Woods with a broken leg, and to come at once with a stretcher and two men. Hell know what to do besides that. Tell him to come by the path from the house. A broken leg? Oh, Mr. Pendleton, how perfectly awful! shuddered Pollyanna. But Im so glad I came! Cant I do Yes, you canbut evidently you wont! WILL you go and do what I ask and stop talking, moaned the man, faintly. And, with a little sobbing cry, Pollyanna went. Pollyanna did not stop now to look up at the patches of blue between the sunlit tops of the trees. She kept her eyes on the ground to make sure that no twig nor stone tripped her hurrying feet. It was not long before she came in sight of the house. She had seen it before, though never so near as this. She was almost frightened now at the massiveness of the great pile of gray stone with its pillared verandas and its imposing en10 Pollyanna
trance. Pausing only a moment, however, she sped across the big neglected lawn and around the house to the side door under the porte-cochere. Her fingers, stiff from their tight clutch upon the keys, were anything but skilful in their efforts to turn the bolt in the lock; but at last the heavy, carved door swung slowly back on its hinges. Pollyanna caught her breath. In spite of her feeling of haste, she paused a moment and looked fearfully through the vestibule to the wide, sombre hall beyond, her thoughts in a whirl. This was John Pendletons house; the house of mystery; the house into which no one but its master entered; the house which sheltered, somewherea skeleton. Yet she, Pollyanna, was expected to enter alone these fearsome rooms, and telephone the, doctor that the master of the house lay now With a little cry Pollyanna, looking neither to the right nor the left, fairly ran through the hall to the door at the end and opened it. The room was large, and sombre with dark woods and hangings like the hall; but through the west window the sun threw a long shaft of gold across the floor, gleamed dully on the tarnished brass andirons in the fireplace, and touched the nickel of the telephone on the great desk in the middle of the room. It was toward this desk that Pollyanna hurriedly tiptoed. The telephone card was not on its hook; it was on the floor. But Pollyanna found it, and ran her shaking forefinger down through the Cs to Chilton. In due time she had Dr. Chilton himself at the other end of the wires, and was
tremblingly delivering her message and answering the doctors terse, pertinent questions. This done, she hung up the receiver and drew a long breath of relief. Only a brief glance did Pollyanna give about her; then, with a confused vision in her eyes of crimson draperies, book-lined walls, a littered floor, an untidy desk, innumerable closed doors (any one of which might conceal a skeleton), and everywhere dust, dust, dust, she fled back through the hall to the great carved door, still half open as she had left it. In what seemed, even to the injured man, an incredibly short time, Pollyanna was back in the woods at the mans side. Well, what is the trouble? Couldnt you get in? he demanded. Pollyanna opened wide her eyes. Why, of course I could! Im HERE, she answered. As if Id be here if I hadnt got in! And the doctor will be right up just as soon as possible with the men and things. He said he knew just where you were, so I didnt stay to show him. I wanted to be with you. Did you? smiled the man, grimly. Well, I cant say I admire your taste. I should think you might find pleasanter companions. Do you meanbecause youre socross? Thanks for your frankness. Yes. Pollyanna laughed softly. But youre only cross OUTSIDEYou arnt cross inside a bit!
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Indeed! How do you know that? asked the man, trying to change the position of his head without moving the rest of his body. Oh, lots of ways; therelike thatthe way you act with the dog, she added, pointing to the long, slender hand that rested on the dogs sleek head near him. Its funny how dogs and cats know the insides of folks better than other folks do, isnt it? Say, Im going to hold your head, she finished abruptly. The man winced several times and groaned once; softly while the change was being made; but in the end he found Pollyannas lap a very welcome substitute for the rocky hollow in which his head had lain before. Well, that isbetter, he murmured faintly. He did not speak again for some time. Pollyanna, watching his face, wondered if he were asleep. She did not think he was. He looked as if his lips were tight shut to keep back moans of pain. Pollyanna herself almost cried aloud as she looked at his great, strong body lying there so helpless. One hand, with fingers tightly clenched, lay outflung, motionless. The other, limply open, lay on the dogs head. The dog, his wistful, eager eyes on his masters face, was motionless, too. Minute by minute the time passed. The sun dropped lower in the west and the shadows grew deeper under the trees. Pollyanna sat so still she hardly seemed to breathe. A bird alighted fearlessly within reach of her hand, and a squirrel whisked his bushy tail on a tree-branch almost under her noseyet with his bright little eyes all the while on
the motionless dog. At last the dog pricked up his cars and whined softly; then he gave a short, sharp bark. The next moment Pollyanna heard voices, and very soon their owners appeared three men carrying a stretcher and various other articles. The tallest of the partya smooth-shaven, kind-eyed man whom Pollyanna knew by sight as Dr. Chiltonadvanced cheerily. Well, my little lady, playing nurse? Oh, no, sir, smiled Pollyanna. Ive only held his headI havent given him a mite of medicine. But Im glad I was here. So am I, nodded the doctor, as he turned his absorbed attention to the injured man.
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Pollyanna
CHAPTER XIV. JUST A MATTER OF JELLY
ollyanna was a little late for supper on the night of the accident to John Pendleton; but, as it happened, she escaped without reproof. Nancy met her at the door. Well, if I aint glad ter be settin my two eyes on you, she sighed in obvious relief. Its half-past six! I know it, admitted Pollyanna anxiously; but Im not to blametruly Im not. And I dont think even Aunt Polly will say I am, either. She wont have the chance, retorted Nancy, with huge satisfaction. Shes gone. Gone! gasped Pollyanna. You dont mean that Ive driven her away? Through Pollyannas mind at the moment trooped remorseful memories of the morning with its unwanted boy, cat, and dog, and its unwelcome glad and forbidden father that would spring to her forgetful little tongue. Oh, I DIDNT drive her away? Not much you did, scoff ed Nancy. Her cousin died suddenly down to Boston, and she had ter go. She had one o them yeller telegram letters after you went away this afternoon, and she wont be back for three days. Now I guess were glad all right. Well be keepin house tergether, jest
you and me, all that time. We will, we will! Pollyanna looked shocked. Glad! Oh, Nancy, when its a funeral? Oh, but twant the funeral I was glad for, Miss Pollyanna. It was Nancy stopped abruptly. A shrewd twinkle came into her eyes. Why, Miss Pollyanna, as if it want yerself that was teachin me ter play the game, she reproached her gravely. Pollyanna puckered her forehead into a troubled frown. I cant help it, Nancy, she argued with a shake of her head. It must be that there are some things that tisnt right to play the game onand Im sure funerals is one of them. Theres nothing in a funeral to be glad about. Nancy chuckled. We can be glad taint ourn, she observed demurely. But Pollyanna did not hear. She had begun to tell of the accident; and in a moment Nancy, open-mouthed, was listening. At the appointed place the next afternoon, Pollyanna met Jimmy Bean according to agreement. As was to be expected, of course, Jimmy showed keen disappointment that the Ladies Aid preferred a little India boy to himself. Well, maybe tis natural, he sighed. Of course things you dont know about are always nicern things you do, same as the pertater on tother side of the plate is always the biggest. But I wish I looked that way ter somebody way off. Wouldnt it be jest great, now, if only somebody over in India wanted ME? Pollyanna clapped her hands. Why, of course! Thats the very thing, Jimmy! Ill write
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to my Ladies Aiders about you. They arent over in India; theyre only out Westbut thats awful far away, just the same. I reckon youd think so if youd come all the way here as I did! Jimmys face brightened. Do you think they wouldtrulytake me? he asked. Of course they would! Dont they take little boys in India to bring up? Well, they can just play you are the little India boy this time. I reckon youre far enough away to make a report, all right. You wait. Ill write em. Ill write Mrs. White. No, Ill write Mrs. Jones. Mrs. White has got the most money, but Mrs. Jones gives the mostwhich is kind of funny, isnt it?when you think of it. But I reckon some of the Aiders will take you. All rightbut dont furgit ter say Ill work fur my board an keep, put in Jimmy. I aint no beggar, an bizness is bizness, even with Ladies Aiders, Im thinkin. He hesitated, then added: An I spose I better stay where I be fur a spell yettill you hear. Of course, nodded Pollyanna emphatically. Then Ill know just where to find you. And theyll take youIm sure youre far enough away for that. Didnt Aunt Polly take Say! she broke off, suddenly, DO you suppose I was Aunt Pollys little girl from India? Well, if you aint the queerest kid, grinned Jimmy, as he turned away. It was about a week after the accident in Pendleton Woods that Pollyanna said to her aunt one morning: Aunt Polly, please would you mind very much if I took
Mrs. Snows calfs-foot jelly this week to some one else? Im sure Mrs. Snow wouldntthis once. Dear me, Pollyanna, what ARE you up to now? sighed her aunt. You ARE the most extraordinary child! Pollyanna frowned a little anxiously. Aunt Polly, please, what is extraordinary? If youre EXtraordinary you cant be ORdinary, can you? You certainly can not. Oh, thats all right, then. Im glad Im EXtraordinary, sighed Pollyanna, her face clearing. You see, Mrs. White used to say Mrs. Rawson was a very ordinary womanand she disliked Mrs. Rawson something awful. They were always fightI mean, father hadthat is, I mean, WE had more trouble keeping peace between them than we did between any of the rest of the Aiders, corrected Pollyanna, a little breathless from her efforts to steer between the Scylla of her fathers past commands in regard to speaking of church quarrels, and the Charybdis of her aunts present commands in regard to speaking of her father. Yes, yes; well, never mind, interposed Aunt Polly, a trifle impatiently. You do run on so, Pollyanna, and no matter what were talking about you always bring up at those Ladies Aiders! Yesm, smiled Pollyanna, cheerfully, I reckon I do, maybe. But you see they used to bring me up, and That will do, Pollyanna, interrupted a cold voice. Now what is it about this jelly? Nothing, Aunt Polly, truly, that you would mind, Im sure. You let me take jelly to HER, so I thought you would
11 Pollyanna
to HIMthis once. You see, broken legs arent likelike lifelong invalids, so his wont last forever as Mrs. Snows does, and she can have all the rest of the things after just once or twice. Him? He? Broken leg? What are you talking about, Pollyanna? Pollyanna stared; then her face relaxed. Oh, I forgot. I reckon you didnt know. You see, it happened while you were gone. It was the very day you went that I found him in the woods, you know; and I had to unlock his house and telephone for the men and the doctor, and hold his head, and everything. And of course then I came away and havent seen him since. But when Nancy made the jelly for Mrs. Snow this week I thought how nice it would be if I could take it to him instead of her, just this once. Aunt Polly, may I? Yes, yes, I suppose so, acquiesced Miss Polly, a little wearily. Who did you say he was? The Man. I mean, Mr. John Pendleton. Miss Polly almost sprang from her chair. JOHN PENDLETON! Yes. Nancy told me his name. Maybe you know him. Miss Polly did not answer this. Instead she asked: Do YOU know him? Pollyanna nodded. Oh, yes. He always speaks and smilesnow. Hes only cross OUTSIDE, you know. Ill go and get the jelly. Nancy had it most fixed when I came in, finished Pollyanna, already halfway across the room.
Pollyanna, wait! Miss Pollys voice was suddenly very stern. Ive changed my mind. I would prefer that Mrs. Snow had that jelly to-dayas usual. That is all. You may go now. Pollyannas face fell. Oh, but Aunt Polly, HERS will last. She can always be sick and have things, you know; but his is just a broken leg, and legs dont lastI mean, broken ones. Hes had it a whole week now. Yes, I remember. I heard Mr. John Pendleton had met with an accident, said Miss Polly, a little stiffly; butI do not care to be sending jelly to John Pendleton, Pollyanna. I know, he is crossoutside, admitted Pollyanna, sadly, so I suppose you dont like him. But I wouldnt say twas you sent it. Id say twas me. I like him. Id be glad to send him jelly. Miss Polly began to shake her head again. Then, suddenly, she stopped, and asked in a curiously quiet voice: Does he know who youare, Pollyanna? The little girl sighed. I reckon not. I told him my name, once, but he never calls me itnever. Does he know where youlive? Oh, no. I never told him that. Then he doesnt know youre myniece? I dont think so. For a moment there was silence. Miss Polly was looking at Pollyanna with eyes that did not seem to see her at all. The little girl, shifting impatiently from one small foot
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to the other, sighed audibly. Then Miss Polly roused herself with a start. Very well, Pollyanna, she said at last , still in that queer voice, so unlike her own; you may you may take the jelly to Mr. Pendleton as your own gift. But understand: I do not send it. Be very sure that he does not think I do! Yesmnomthank you, Aunt Polly, exulted Pollyanna, as she flew through the door.
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CHAPTER XV. DR. CHILTON
he great gray pile of masonry looked very different to Pollyanna when she made her second visit to the house of Mr. John Pendleton. Windows were open, an elderly woman was hanging out clothes in the back yard, and the doctors gig stood under the porte-cochere. As before Pollyanna went to the side door. This time she rang the bellher fingers were not stiff to-day from a tight clutch on a bunch of keys. A familiar-looking small dog bounded up the steps to greet her, but there was a slight delay before the woman who had been hanging out the clothes opened the door. If you please, Ive brought some calfs-foot jelly for Mr. Pendleton, smiled Pollyanna. Thank you, said the woman, reaching for the bowl in the little girls hand. Who shall I say sent it? And its calfsfoot jelly? The doctor, coming into the hall at that moment, heard the womans words and saw the disappointed look on Pollyannas face. He stepped quickly forward. Ah! Some calfs-foot jelly? he asked genially. That will be fine! Maybe youd like to see our patient, eh? Oh, yes, sir, beamed Pollyanna; and the woman, in obedience to a nod from the doctor, led the way down the hall at once, though plainly with vast surprise on her face.
Pollyanna
11
Behind the doctor, a young man (a trained nurse from the nearest city) gave a disturbed exclamation. But, Doctor, didnt Mr. Pendleton give orders not to admitany one? Oh, yes, nodded the doctor, imperturbably. But Im giving orders now. Ill take the risk. Then he added whimsically: You dont know, of course; but that little girl is better than a six-quart bottle of tonic any day. If anything or anybody can take the grouch out of Pendleton this afternoon, she can. Thats why I sent her in. Who is she? For one brief moment the doctor hesitated. Shes the niece of one of our best known residents. Her name is Pollyanna Whittier. II dont happen to enjoy a very extensive personal acquaintance with the little lady as yet; but lots of my patients doIm thankful to say! The nurse smiled. Indeed! And what are the special ingredients of this wonder-workingtonic of hers? The doctor shook his head. I dont know. As near as I can find out it is an overwhelming, unquenchable gladness for everything that has happened or is going to happen. At any rate, her quaint speeches are constantly being repeated to me, and, as near as I can make out, just being glad is the tenor of most of them. All is, he added, with another whimsical smile, as he stepped out on to the porch, I wish I could prescribe her and buy heras I would a box of pills;though if there gets to be many of her in the world, you and I might as well go to
ribbon-selling and ditch-digging for all the money wed get out of nursing and doctoring, he laughed, picking up the reins and stepping into the gig. Pollyanna, meanwhile, in accordance with the doctors orders, was being escorted to John Pendletons rooms. Her way led through the great library at the end of the hall, and, rapid as was her progress through it, Pollyanna saw at once that great changes had taken place. The booklined walls and the crimson curtains were the same; but there was no litter on the floor, no untidiness on the desk, and not so much as a grain of dust in sight. The telephone card hung in its proper place, and the brass andirons had been polished. One of the mysterious doors was open, and it was toward this that the maid led the way. A moment later Pollyanna found herself in a sumptuously furnished bedroom while the maid was saying in a frightened voice: If you please, sir, hereheres a little girl with some jelly. The doctor said I was toto bring her in. The next moment Pollyanna found herself alone with a very cross-looking man lying flat on his back in bed. See here, didnt I say began an angry voice. Oh, its you! it broke off not very graciously, as Pollyanna advanced toward the bed. Yes, sir, smiled Pollyanna. Oh, Im so glad they let me in! You see, at first the lady most took my jelly, and I was so afraid I wasnt going to see you at all. Then the doctor came, and he said I might. Wasnt he lovely to let me see you? In spite of himself the mans lips twitched into a smile; but all he said was Humph!
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And Ive brought you some jelly, resumed Pollyanna; calfs-foot. I hope you like it? There was a rising inflection in her voice. Never ate it. The fleeting smile had gone, and the scowl had come back to the mans face. For a brief instant Pollyannas countenance showed disappointment; but it cleared as she set the bowl of jelly down. Didnt you? Well, if you didnt, then you cant know you DONT like it, anyhow, can you? So I reckon Im glad you havent, after all. Now, if you knew Yes, yes; well, theres one thing I know all right, and that is that Im flat on my back right here this minute, and that Im liable to stay heretill doomsday, I guess. Pollyanna looked shocked. Oh, no! It couldnt be till doomsday, you know, when the angel Gabriel blows his trumpet, unless it should come quicker than we think it willoh, of course, I know the Bible says it may come quicker than we think, but I dont think it willthat is, of course I believe the Bible; but I mean I dont think it will come as much quicker as it would if it should come now, and John Pendleton laughed suddenlyand aloud. The nurse, coming in at that moment, heard the laugh, and beat a hurriedbut a very silentretreat. He had the air of a frightened cook who, seeing the danger of a breath of cold air striking a half-done cake, hastily shuts the oven door. Arent you getting a little mixed? asked John Pendleton of Pollyanna.
The little girl laughed. Maybe. But what I mean is, that legs dont lastbroken ones, you knowlike lifelong invalids, same as Mrs. Snow has got. So yours wont last till doomsday at all. I should think you could be glad of that. Oh, I am, retorted the man grimly. And you didnt break but one. You can be glad twasnt two. Pollyanna was warming to her task. Of course! So fortunate, sniffed the man, with uplifted eyebrows; looking at it from that standpoint, I suppose I might be glad I wasnt a centipede and didnt break fifty! Pollyanna chuckled. Oh, thats the best yet, she crowed. I know what a centipede is; theyve got lots of legs. And you can be glad Oh, of course, interrupted the man, sharply, all the old bitterness coming back to his voice; I can be glad, too, for all the rest, I supposethe nurse, and the doctor, and that confounded woman in the kitchen! Why, yes, sironly think how bad twould be if you DIDNT have them! Well, Ieh? he demanded sharply. Why, I say, only think how bad it would be if you didnt have emand you lying here like this! As if that wasnt the very thing that was at the bottom of the whole matter, retorted the man, testily, because I am lying here like this! And yet you expect me to say Im glad because of a fool woman who disarranges the whole house and calls it regulating, and a man who aids and abets her in it, and calls it nursing, to say nothing of the doctor who
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eggs em both onand the whole bunch of them, meanwhile, expecting me to pay them for it, and pay them well, too! Pollyanna frowned sympathetically. Yes, I know. THAT part is too badabout the money when youve been saving it, too, all this time. Wheneh? Saving itbuying beans and fish balls, you know. Say, DO you like beans?or do you like turkey better, only on account of the sixty cents? Look a-here, child, what are you talking about? Pollyanna smiled radiantly. About your money, you knowdenying yourself, and saving it for the heathen. You see, I found out about it. Why, Mr. Pendleton, thats one of the ways I knew you werent cross inside. Nancy told me. The mans jaw dropped. Nancy told you I was saving money for theWell, may I inquire who Nancy is? Our Nancy. She works for Aunt Polly. Aunt Polly! Well, who is Aunt Polly? Shes Miss Polly Harrington. I live with her. The man made a sudden movement. MissPollyHarrington! he breathed. You live with HER! Yes; Im her niece. Shes taken me to bring upon account of my mother, you know, faltered Pollyanna, in a low voice. She was her sister. And after fatherwent to be with her and the rest of us in Heaven, there wasnt any one left for
me down here but the Ladies Aid; so she took me. The man did not answer. His face, as he lay back on the pillow now, was very whiteso white that Pollyanna was frightened. She rose uncertainly to her feet. I reckon maybe Id better go now, she proposed. II hope youll likethe jelly. The man turned his head suddenly, and opened his eyes. There was a curious longing in their dark depths which even Pollyanna saw, and at which she marvelled. And so you areMiss Polly Harringtons niece, he said gently. Yes, sir. Still the mans dark eyes lingered on her face, until Pollyanna, feeling vaguely restless, murmured: II suppose you knowher. John Pendletons lips curved in an odd smile. Oh, yes; I know her. He hesitated, then went on, still with that curious smile. Butyou dont meanyou cant mean that it was Miss Polly Harrington who sent that jelly to me? he said slowly, Pollyanna looked distressed. N-no, sir: she didnt. She said I must be very sure not to let you think she did send it. But I I thought as much, vouchsafed the man, shortly, turning away his head. And Pollyanna, still more distressed, tiptoed from the room. Under the porte-cochere she found the doctor waiting in his gig. The nurse stood on the steps. Well, Miss Pollyanna, may I have the pleasure of seeing
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you home? asked the doctor smilingly. I started to drive on a few minutes ago; then it occurred to me that Id wait for you. Thank you, sir. Im glad you did. I just love to ride, beamed Pollyanna, as he reached out his hand to help her in. Do you? smiled the doctor, nodding his head in farewell to the young man on the steps. Well, as near as I can judge, there are a good many things you love to doeh? he added, as they drove briskly away. Pollyanna laughed. Why, I dont know. I reckon perhaps there are, she admitted. I like to do most everything thats LIVING. Of course I dont like the other things very wellsewing, and reading out loud, and all that. But THEY arent LIVING. No? What are they, then? Aunt Polly says theyre learning to live, sighed Pollyanna, with a rueful smile. The doctor smiled nowa little queerly. Does she? Well, I should think she might sayjust that. Yes, responded Pollyanna. But I dont see it that way at all. I dont think you have to LEARN how to live. I didnt, anyhow. The doctor drew a long sigh. After all, Im afraid some of usdo have to, little girl, he said. Then, for a time he was silent. Pollyanna, stealing a glance at his face, felt vaguely sorry for him. He looked so sad. She wished, uneasily, that she could do something. It was this, perhaps, that caused her to say in a timid voice:
Dr. Chilton, I should think being a doctor would, be the very gladdest kind of a business there was. The doctor turned in surprise. Gladdest!when I see so much suffering always, everywhere I go? he cried. She nodded. I know; but youre HELPING itdont you see?and of course youre glad to help it! And so that makes you the gladdest of any of us, all the time. The doctors eyes filled with sudden hot tears. The doctors life was a singularly lonely one. He had no wife and no home save his two-room office in a boarding house. His profession was very dear to him. Looking now into Pollyannas shining eyes, he felt as if a loving hand had been suddenly laid on his head in blessing. He knew, too, that never again would a long days work or a long nights weariness be quite without that new-found exaltation that had come to him through Pollyannas eyes. God bless you, little girl, he said unsteadily. Then, with the bright smile his patients knew and loved so well, he added: And Im thinking, after all, that it was the doctor, quite as much as his patients, that needed a draft of that tonic! All of which puzzled Pollyanna very muchuntil a chipmunk, running across the road, drove the whole matter from her mind. The doctor left Pollyanna at her own door, smiled at Nancy, who was sweeping off the front porch, then drove rapidly away. Ive had a perfectly beautiful ride with the doctor, an1 Pollyanna
nounced Pollyanna, bounding up the steps. Hes lovely, Nancy! Is he? Yes. And I told him I should think his business would be the very gladdest one there was. What!goin ter see sick folksan folks what aint sick but thinks they is, which is worse? Nancys face showed open skepticism. Pollyanna laughed gleefully. Yes. Thats most what he said, too; but there is a way to be glad, even then. Guess! Nancy frowned in meditation. Nancy was getting so she could play this game of being glad quite successfully, she thought. She rather enjoyed studying out Pollyannas posers, too, as she called some of the little girls questions. Oh, I know, she chuckled. Its just the opposite from what you told Mis Snow. Opposite? repeated Pollyanna, obviously puzzled. Yes. You told her she could be glad because other folks wasnt like herall sick, you know. Yes, nodded Pollyanna. Well, the doctor can be glad because he isnt like other folksthe sick ones, I mean, what he doctors, finished Nancy in triumph. It was Pollyannas turn to frown. Why, y-yes, she admitted. Of course that IS one way, but it isnt the way I said; andsomeway, I dont seem to quite like the sound of it. It isnt exactly as if he said he was glad they WERE sick, butYou do play the game so funny,
sometimes Nancy, she sighed, as she went into the house. Pollyanna found her aunt in the sitting room. Who was that manthe one who drove into the yard, Pollyanna? questioned the lady a little sharply. Why, Aunt Polly, that was Dr. Chilton! Dont you know him? Dr. Chilton! What was he doinghere? He drove me home. Oh, and I gave the jelly to Mr. Pendleton, and Miss Polly lifted her head quickly. Pollyanna, he did not think I sent it? Oh, no, Aunt Polly. I told him you didnt. Miss Polly grew a sudden vivid pink. You TOLD him I didnt! Pollyanna opened wide her eyes at the remonstrative dismay in her aunts voice. Why, Aunt Polly, you SAID to! Aunt Polly sighed. I SAID, Pollyanna, that I did not send it, and for you to be very sure that he did not think I DID!which is a very different matter from TELLING him outright that I did not send it. And she turned vexedly away. Dear me! Well, I dont see where the difference is, sighed Pollyanna, as she went to hang her hat on the one particular hook in the house upon which Aunt Polly had said that it must be hung.
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CHAPTER XVI. A RED ROSE AND A LACE SHAWL

t was on a rainy day about a week after Pollyannas visit to Mr. John Pendleton, that Miss Polly was driven by Timothy to an early afternoon committee meeting of the Ladies Aid Society. When she returned at three oclock, her cheeks were a bright, pretty pink, and her hair, blown by the damp wind, had fluffed into kinks and curls wherever the loosened pins had given leave. Pollyanna had never before seen her aunt look like this. Ohohoh! Why, Aunt Polly, youve got em, too, she cried rapturously, dancing round and round her aunt, as that lady entered the sitting room. Got what, you impossible child? Pollyanna was still revolving round and round her aunt. And I never knew you had em! Can folks have em when you dont know theyve got em? DO you suppose I could? fore I get to Heaven, I mean, she cried, pulling out with eager fingers the straight locks above her ears. But then, they wouldnt be black, if they did come. You cant hide the black part. Pollyanna, what does all this mean? demanded Aunt Polly, hurriedly removing her hat, and trying to smooth back her disordered hair.
No, noplease, Aunt Polly! Pollyannas jubilant voice turned to one of distressed appeal. Dont smooth em out! Its those that Im talking aboutthose darling little black curls. Oh, Aunt Polly, theyre so pretty! Nonsense! What do you mean, Pollyanna, by going to the Ladies Aid the other day in that absurd fashion about that beggar boy? But it isnt nonsense, urged Pollyanna, answering only the first of her aunts remarks. You dont know how pretty you look with your hair like that! Oh, Aunt Polly, please, maynt I do your hair like I did Mrs. Snows, and put in a flower? Id so love to see you that way! Why, youd be ever so much prettier than she was! Pollyanna! (Miss Polly spoke very sharplyall the more sharply because Pollyannas words had given her an odd throb of joy: when before had anybody cared how she, or her hair looked? When before had anybody loved to see her pretty?) Pollyanna, you did not answer my question. Why did you go to the Ladies Aid in that absurd fashion? Yesm, I know; but, please, I didnt know it was absurd until I went and found out theyd rather see their report grow than Jimmy. So then I wrote to MY Ladies Aiderscause Jimmy is far away from them, you know; and I thought maybe he could be their little India boy same as Aunt Polly, WAS I your little India girl? And, Aunt Polly, you WILL let me do your hair, wont you? Aunt Polly put her hand to her throatthe old, helpless feeling was upon her, she knew. But, Pollyanna, when the ladies Old me this afternoon
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how you came to them, I was so ashamed! I Pollyanna began to dance up and down lightly on her toes. You didnt!You didnt say I COULDNT do your hair, she crowed triumphantly; and so Im sure it means just the other way round, sort oflike it did the other day about Mr. Pendletons jelly that you didnt send, but didnt want me to say you didnt send, you know. Now wait just where you are. Ill get a comb. But Pollyanna, Pollyanna, remonstrated Aunt Polly, following the little girl from the room and panting up-stairs after her. Oh, did you come up here? Pollyanna greeted her at the door of Miss Pollys own room. Thatll be nicer yet! Ive got the comb. Now sit down, please, right here. Oh, Im so glad you let me do it! But, Pollyanna, II Miss Polly did not finish her sentence. To her helpless amazement she found herself in the low chair before the dressing table, with her hair already tumbling about her ears under ten eager, but very gentle fingers. Oh, my! what pretty hair youve got, prattled Pollyanna; and theres so much more of it than Mrs. Snow has, too! But, of course, you need more, anyhow, because youre well and can go to places where folks can see it. My! I reckon folksll be glad when they do see itand surprised, too, cause youve hid it so long. Why, Aunt Polly, Ill make you so pretty everybodyll just love to look at you! Pollyanna! gasped a stifled but shocked voice from a veil
of hair. IIm sure I dont know why Im letting you do this silly thing. Why, Aunt Polly, I should think youd be glad to have folks like to look at you! Dont you like to look at pretty things? Im ever so much happier when I look at pretty folks, cause when I look at the other kind Im so sorry for them. Butbut And I just love to do folks hair, purred Pollyanna, contentedly. I did quite a lot of the Ladies Aidersbut there wasnt any of them so nice as yours. Mrs. Whites was pretty nice, though, and she looked just lovely one day when I dressed her up inOh, Aunt Polly, Ive just happened to think of something! But its a secret, and I shant tell. Now your hair is almost done, and pretty quick Im going to leave you just a minute; and you must promisepromise PROMISE not to stir nor peek, even, till I come back. Now remember! she finished, as she ran from the room. Aloud Miss Polly said nothing. To herself she said that of course she should at once undo the absurd work of her nieces fingers, and put her hair up properly again. As for peeking just as if she cared how At that momentunaccountablyMiss Polly caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror of the dressing table. And what she saw sent such a flush of rosy color to her cheeks thatshe only flushed the more at the sight. She saw a facenot young, it is truebut just now alight with excitement and surprise. The cheeks were a pretty pink. The eyes sparkled. The hair, dark, and still damp from the outdoor air, lay in loose waves about the forehead and
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curved back over the ears in wonderfully becoming lines, with softening little curls here and there. So amazed and so absorbed was Miss Polly with what she saw in the glass that she quite forgot her determination to do over her hair, until she heard Pollyanna enter the room again. Before she could move, then, she felt a folded something slipped across her eyes and tied in the back. Pollyanna, Pollyanna! What are you doing? she cried. Pollyanna chuckled. Thats just what I dont want you to know, Aunt Polly, and I was afraid you WOULD peek, so I tied on the handkerchief. Now sit still. It wont take but just a minute, then Ill let you see. But, Pollyanna, began Miss Polly, struggling blindly to her feet, you must take this off! Youchild, child! what ARE you doing? she gasped, as she felt a soft something slipped about her shoulders. Pollyanna only chuckled the more gleefully. With trembling fingers she was draping about her aunts shoulders the fleecy folds of a beautiful lace shawl, yellowed from long years of packing away, and fragrant with lavender. Pollyanna had found the shawl the week before when Nancy had been regulating the attic; and it had occurred to her to-day that there was no reason why her aunt, as well as Mrs. White of her Western home, should not be dressed up. Her task completed, Pollyanna surveyed her work with eyes that approved, but that saw yet one touch wanting. Promptly, therefore, she pulled her aunt toward the sun parlor where she could see a belated red rose blooming on
the trellis within reach of her hand. Pollyanna, what are you doing? Where are you taking me to? recoiled Aunt Polly, vainly trying to hold herself back. Pollyanna, I shall not Its just to the sun parloronly a minute! Ill have you ready now quickern no time, panted Pollyanna, reaching for the rose and thrusting it into the soft hair above Miss Pollys left ear. There! she exulted, untying the knot of the handkerchief and flinging the bit of linen far from her. Oh, Aunt Polly, now I reckon youll be glad I dressed you up! For one dazed moment Miss Polly looked at her bedecked self, and at her surroundings; then she gave a low cry and fled to her room. Pollyanna, following the direction of her aunts last dismayed gaze, saw, through the open windows of the sun parlor, the horse and gig turning into the driveway. She recognized at once the man who held the reins. Delightedly she leaned forward. Dr. Chilton, Dr. Chilton! Did you want to see me? Im up here. Yes, smiled the doctor, a little gravely. Will you come down, please? In the bedroom Pollyanna found a flushed-faced, angryeyed woman plucking at the pins that held a lace shawl in place. Pollyanna, how could you? moaned the woman. To think of your rigging me up like this, and then letting me BE SEEN! Pollyanna stopped in dismay. But you looked lovelyperfectly lovely, Aunt Polly;
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and Lovely! scorned the woman, flinging the shawl to one side and attacking her hair with shaking fingers. Oh, Aunt Polly, please, please let the hair stay! Stay? Like this? As if I would! And Miss Polly pulled the locks so tightly back that the last curl lay stretched dead at the ends of her fingers. O dear! And you did look so pretty, almost sobbed Pollyanna, as she stumbled through the door. Down-stairs Pollyanna found the doctor waiting in his gig. Ive prescribed you for a patient, and hes sent me to get the prescription filled, announced the doctor. Will you go? You meanan errandto the drug store? asked Pollyanna, a little uncertainly. I used to go somefor the Ladies Aiders. The doctor shook his head with a smile. Not exactly. Its Mr. John Pendleton. He would like to see you to-day, if youll be so good as to come. Its stopped raining, so I drove down after you. Will you come? Ill call for you and bring you back before six oclock. Id love to! exclaimed Pollyanna. Let me ask Aunt Polly. In a few moments she returned, hat in hand, but with rather a sober face. Didntyour aunt want you to go? asked the doctor, a little diffidently, as they drove away. Y-yes, sighed Pollyanna. Sheshe wanted me to go
TOO much, Im afraid. Wanted you to go TOO MUCH! Pollyanna sighed again. Yes. I reckon she meant she didnt want me there. You see, she said: Yes, yes, run along, run alongdo! I wish youd gone before. The doctor smiledbut with his lips only. His eyes were very grave. For some time he said nothing; then, a little hesitatingly, he asked: Wasnt ityour aunt I saw with you a few minutes ago in the window of the sun parlor? Pollyanna drew a long breath. Yes; thats whats the whole trouble, I suppose. You see Id dressed her up in a perfectly lovely lace shawl I found up-stairs, and Id fixed her hair and put on a rose, and she looked so pretty. Didnt YOU think she looked just lovely? For a moment the doctor did not answer. When he did speak his voice was so low Pollyanna could but just hear the words. Yes, Pollyanna, II thought she did lookjust lovely. Did you? Im so glad! Ill tell her, nodded the little girl, contentedly. To her surprise the doctor gave a sudden exclamation. Never! Pollyanna, IIm afraid I shall have to ask you not to tell herthat. Why, Dr. Chilton! Why not? I should think youd be glad But she might not be, cut in the doctor. Pollyanna considered this for a moment.
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Thats somaybe she wouldnt, she sighed. I remember now; twas cause she saw you that she ran. And sheshe spoke afterwards about her being seen in that rig. I thought as much, declared the doctor, under his breath. Still, I dont see why, maintained Pollyanna, when she looked so pretty! The doctor said nothing. He did not speak again, indeed, until they were almost to the great stone house in which John Pendleton lay with a broken leg.
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CHAPTER XVII. JUST LIKE A BOOK
ohn Pendleton greeted Pollyanna to-day with a smile. Well, Miss Pollyanna, Im thinking you must be a very forgiving little person, else you wouldnt have come to see me again to-day. Why, Mr. Pendleton, I was real glad to come, and Im sure I dont see why I shouldnt be, either. Oh, well, you know, I was pretty cross with you, Im afraid, both the other day when you so kindly brought me the jelly, and that time when you found me with the broken leg at first. By the way, too, I dont think Ive ever thanked you for that. Now Im sure that even you would admit that you were very forgiving to come and see me, after such ungrateful treatment as that! Pollyanna stirred uneasily. But I was glad to find youthat is, I dont mean I was glad your leg was broken, of course, she corrected hurriedly. John Pendleton smiled. I understand. Your tongue does get away with you once in a while, doesnt it, Miss Pollyanna? I do thank you, however; and I consider you a very brave little girl to do what you did that day. I thank you for the jelly, too, he added in
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a lighter voice. Did you like it? asked Pollyanna with interest. Very much. I supposethere isnt any more to-day that that Aunt Polly DIDNT send, is there? he asked with an odd smile. His visitor looked distressed. N-no, sir. She hesitated, then went on with heightened color. Please, Mr. Pendleton, I didnt mean to be rude the other day when I said Aunt Polly did NOT send the jelly. There was no answer. John Pendleton was not smiling now. He was looking straight ahead of him with eyes that seemed to be gazing through and beyond the object before them. After a time he drew a long sigh and turned to Pollyanna. When he spoke his voice carried the old nervous fretfulness. Well, well, this will never do at all! I didnt send for you to see me moping this time. Listen! Out in the librarythe big room where the telephone is, you knowyou will find a carved box on the lower shelf of the big case with glass doors in the corner not far from the fireplace. That is, itll be there if that confounded woman hasnt regulated it to somewhere else! You may bring it to me. It is heavy, but not too heavy for you to carry, I think. Oh, Im awfully strong, declared Pollyanna, cheerfully, as she sprang to her feet. In a minute she had returned with the box. It was a wonderful half-hour that Pollyanna spent then. The box was full of treasurescurios that John Pendleton had picked up in years of traveland concerning each
there was some entertaining story, whether it were a set of exquisitely carved chessmen from China, or a little jade idol from India. It was after she had heard the story about the idol that Pollyanna murmured wistfully: Well, I suppose it WOULD be better to take a little boy in India to bring upone that didnt know any more than to think that God was in that doll-thingthan it would be to take Jimmy Bean, a little boy who knows God is up in the sky. Still, I cant help wishing they had wanted Jimmy Bean, too, besides the India boys. John Pendleton did not seem to hear. Again his, eyes were staring straight before him, looking at nothing. But soon he had roused himself, and had picked up another curio to talk about. The visit, certainly, was a delightful one, but before it was over, Pollyanna was realizing that they were talking about something besides the wonderful things in the beautiful carved box. They were talking of herself, of Nancy, of Aunt Polly, and of her daily life. They were talking, too, even of the life and home long ago in the far Western town. Not until it was nearly time for her to go, did the man say, in a voice Pollyanna had never before heard from stern John Pendleton: Little girl, I want you to come to see me often. Will you? Im lonesome, and I need you. Theres another reasonand Im going to tell you that, too. I thought, at first, after I found out who you were, the other day, that I didnt want you to come any more. You reminded me ofof something I have
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tried for long years to forget. So I said to myself that I never wanted to see you again; and every day, when the doctor asked if I wouldnt let him bring you to me, I said no. But after a time I found I was wanting to see you so much thatthat the fact that I WASNT seeing you was making me remember all the more vividly the thing I was so wanting to forget. So now I want you to come. Will youlittle girl? Why, yes, Mr. Pendleton, breathed Pollyanna, her eyes luminous with sympathy for the sad-faced man lying back on the pillow before her. Id love to come! Thank you, said John Pendleton, gently. After supper that evening, Pollyanna, sitting on the back porch, told Nancy all about Mr. John Pendletons wonderful carved box, and the still more wonderful things it contained. And ter think, sighed Nancy, that he SHOWED ye all them things, and told ye about em like thathim thats so cross he never talks ter no oneno one! Oh, but he isnt cross, Nancy, only outside, demurred Pollyanna, with quick loyalty. I dont see why everybody thinks hes so bad, either. They wouldnt, if they knew him. But even Aunt Polly doesnt like him very well. She wouldnt send the jelly to him, you know, and she was so afraid hed think she did send it! Probably she didnt call him no duty, shrugged Nancy. But what beats me is how he happened ter take ter you so, Miss Pollyannameanin no offence ter you, of course but he aint the sort o man what genrally takes ter kids; he
aint, he aint. Pollyanna smiled happily. But he did, Nancy, she nodded, only I reckon even he didnt want toALL the time. Why, only to-day he owned up that one time he just felt he never wanted to see me again, because I reminded him of something he wanted to forget. But afterwards Whats that? interrupted Nancy, excitedly. He said you reminded him of something he wanted to forget? Yes. But afterwards What was it? Nancy was eagerly insistent. He didnt tell me. He just said it was something. THE MYSTERY! breathed Nancy, in an awestruck voice. Thats why he took to you in the first place. Oh, Miss Pollyanna! Why, thats just like a bookIve read lots of em; Lady Mauds Secret, and The Lost Heir, and Hidden for Yearsall of em had mysteries and things just like this. My stars and stockings! Just think of havin a book lived right under yer nose like this an me not knowin it all this time! Now tell me everythineverythin he said, Miss Pollyanna, theres a dear! No wonder he took ter you; no wonderno wonder! But he didnt, cried Pollyanna, not till I talked to HIM, first. And he didnt even know who I was till I took the calfsfoot jelly, and had to make him understand that Aunt Polly didnt send it, and Nancy sprang to her feet and clasped her hands together suddenly. Oh, Miss Pollyanna, I know, I knowI KNOW I know!
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she exulted rapturously. The next minute she was down at Pollyannas side again. Tell menow think, and answer straight and true, she urged excitedly. It was after he found out you was Miss Pollys niece that he said he didnt ever want ter see ye again, want it? Oh, yes. I told him that the last time I saw him, and he told me this to-day. I thought as much, triumphed Nancy. And Miss Polly wouldnt send the jelly herself, would she? No. And you told him she didnt send it? Why, yes; I And he began ter act queer and cry out sudden after he found out you was her niece. He did that, didnt he? Why, y-yes; he did act a little queerover that jelly, admitted Pollyanna, with a thoughtful frown. Nancy drew a long sigh. Then Ive got it, sure! Now listen. MR. JOHN PENDLETON WAS MISS POLLY HARRINGTONS LOVER! she announced impressively, but with a furtive glance over her shoulder. Why, Nancy, he couldnt be! She doesnt like him, objected Pollyanna. Nancy gave her a scornful glance. Of course she dont! THATS the quarrel! Pollyanna still looked incredulous, and with another long breath Nancy happily settled herself to tell the story. Its like this. Just before you come, Mr. Tom told me Miss Polly had had a lover once. I didnt believe it. I couldnther
and a lover! But Mr. Tom said she had, and that he was livin now right in this town. And NOW I know, of course. Its John Pendleton. Haint he got a mystery in his life? Dont he shut himself up in that grand house alone, and never speak ter no one? Didnt he act queer when he found out you was Miss Pollys niece? And now haint he owned up that you remind him of somethin he wants ter forget? Just as if ANYBODY couldnt see twas Miss Polly!an her sayin she wouldnt send him no jelly, too. Why, Miss Pollyanna, its as plain as the nose on yer face; it is, it is! Oh-h! breathed Pollyanna, in wide-eyed amazement. But, Nancy, I should think if they loved each other theyd make up some time. Both of em all alone, so, all these years. I should think theyd be glad to make up! Nancy sniffed disdainfully. I guess maybe you dont know much about lovers, Miss Pollyanna. You aint big enough yet, anyhow. But if there IS a set o folks in the world that wouldnt have no use for that ere glad game o yourn, itd be a pair o quarrellin lovers; and thats what they be. Aint he cross as sticks, most genrally?and aint she Nancy stopped abruptly, remembering just in time to whom, and about whom, she was speaking. Suddenly, however, she chuckled. I aint sayin, though, Miss Pollyanna, but what it would be a pretty slick piece of business if you could GET em ter playin itso they WOULD be glad ter make up. But, my land! wouldnt folks stare someMiss Polly and him! I guess, though, there aint much chance, much chance!
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Pollyanna said nothing; but when she went into the house a little later, her face was very thoughtful.
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CHAPTER XVIII. PRISMS
s the warm August days passed, Pollyanna went very frequently to the great house on Pendleton Hill. She did not feel, however, that her visits were really a success. Not but that the man seemed to want her therehe sent for her, indeed, frequently; but that when she was there, he seemed scarcely any the happier for her presenceat least, so Pollyanna thought. He talked to her, it was true, and be showed her many strange and beautiful thingsbooks, pictures, and curios. But he still fretted audibly over his own helplessness, and he chafed visibly under the rules and regulatings of the unwelcome members of his household. He did, indeed, seem to like to hear Pollyanna talk, however, and Pollyanna talked, Pollyanna liked to talkbut she was never sure that she would not look up and find him lying back on his pillow with that white, hurt look that always pained her; and she was never sure whichif anyof her words had brought it there. As for telling him the glad game, and trying to get him to play itPollyanna had never seen the time yet when she thought he would care to hear about it. She had twice tried to tell him; but neither time had she got beyond the beginning of what her father had saidJohn Pendleton had on each occasion turned the conversation abruptly to another subject.
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Pollyanna never doubted now that John Pendleton was her Aunt Pollys one-time lover; and with all the strength of her loving, loyal heart, she wished she could in some way bring happiness into their to her mindmiserably lonely lives. Just how she was to do this, however, she could not see. She talked to Mr. Pendleton about her aunt; and he listened, sometimes politely, sometimes irritably, frequently with a quizzical smile on his usually stern lips. She talked to her aunt about Mr. Pendletonor rather, she tried to talk to her about him. As a general thing, however, Miss Polly would not listenlong. She always found something else to talk about. She frequently did that, however, when Pollyanna was talking of othersof Dr. Chilton, for instance. Pollyanna laid this, though, to the fact that it had been Dr. Chilton who had seen her in the sun parlor with the rose in her hair and the lace shawl draped about her shoulders. Aunt Polly, indeed, seemed particularly bitter against Dr. Chilton, as Pollyanna found out one day when a hard cold shut her up in the house. If you are not better by night I shall send for the doctor, Aunt Polly said. Shall you? Then Im going to be worse, gurgled Pollyanna. Id love to have Dr. Chilton come to see me! She wondered, then, at the look that came to her aunts face. It will not be Dr. Chilton, Pollyanna, Miss Polly said sternly. Dr. Chilton is not our family physician. I shall send for Dr. Warrenif you are worse.
Pollyanna did not grow worse, however, and Dr. Warren was not summoned. And Im so glad, too, Pollyanna said to her aunt that evening. Of course I like Dr. Warren, and all that; but I like Dr. Chilton better, and Im afraid hed feel hurt if I didnt have him. You see, he wasnt really to blame, after all, that he happened to see you when Id dressed you up so pretty that day, Aunt Polly, she finished wistfully. That will do, Pollyanna. I really do not wish to discuss Dr. Chiltonor his feelings, reproved Miss Polly, decisively. Pollyanna looked at her for a moment with mournfully interested eyes; then she sighed: I just love to see you when your cheeks are pink like that, Aunt Polly; but I would so like to fix your hair. IfWhy, Aunt Polly! But her aunt was already out of sight down the hall. It was toward the end of August that Pollyanna, making an early morning call on John Pendleton, found the flaming band of blue and gold and green edged with red and violet lying across his pillow. She stopped short in awed delight. Why, Mr. Pendleton, its a baby rainbowa real rainbow come in to pay you a visit! she exclaimed, clapping her hands together softly. Ohohoh, how pretty it is! But how DID it get in? she cried. The man laughed a little grimly: John Pendleton was particularly out of sorts with the world this morning. Well, I suppose it got in through the bevelled edge of that glass thermometer in the window, he said wearily. The
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sun shouldnt strike it at all but it does in the morning. Oh, but its so pretty, Mr. Pendleton! And does just the sun do that? My! if it was mine Id have it hang in the sun all day long! Lots of good youd get out of the thermometer, then, laughed the man. How do you suppose you could tell how hot it was, or how cold it was, if the thermometer hung in the sun all day? I shouldnt care, breathed Pollyanna, her fascinated eyes on the brilliant band of colors across the pillow. Just as if anybodyd care when they were living all the time in a rainbow! The man laughed. He was watching Pollyannas rapt face a little curiously. Suddenly a new thought came to him. He touched the bell at his side. Nora, he said, when the elderly maid appeared at the door, bring me one of the big brass candle-sticks from the mantel in the front drawing-room. Yes, sir, murmured the woman, looking slightly dazed. In a minute she had returned. A musical tinkling entered the room with her as she advanced wonderingly toward the bed. It came from the prism pendants encircling the oldfashioned candelabrum in her hand. Thank you. You may set it here on the stand, directed the man. Now get a string and fasten it to the sash-curtain fixtures of that window there. Take down the sash-curtain, and let the string reach straight across the window from side to side. That will be all. Thank you, he said, when she had carried out his directions.
As she left the room he turned smiling eyes toward the wondering Pollyanna. Bring me the candlestick now, please, Pollyanna. With both hands she brought it; and in a moment he was slipping off the pendants, one by one, until they lay, a round dozen of them, side by side, on the bed. Now, my dear, suppose you take them and hook them to that little string Nora fixed across the window. If you really WANT to live in a rainbowI dont see but well have to have a rainbow for you to live in! Pollyanna had not hung up three of the pendants in the sunlit window before she saw a little of what was going to happen. She was so excited then she could scarcely control her shaking fingers enough to hang up the rest. But at last her task was finished, and she stepped back with a low cry of delight. It had become a fairylandthat sumptuous, but dreary bedroom. Everywhere were bits of dancing red and green, violet and orange, gold and blue. The wall, the floor, and the furniture, even to the bed itself, were aflame with shimmering bits of color. Oh, oh, oh, how lovely! breathed Pollyanna; then she laughed suddenly. I just reckon the sun himself is trying to play the game now, dont you? she cried, forgetting for the moment that Mr. Pendleton could not know what she was talking about. Oh, how I wish I had a lot of those things! How I would like to give them to Aunt Polly and Mrs. Snow andlots of folks. I reckon THEN theyd be glad all right! Why, I think even Aunt Pollyd get so glad she couldnt
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help banging doors if she lived in a rainbow like that. Dont you? Mr. Pendleton laughed. Well, from my remembrance of your aunt, Miss Pollyanna, I must say I think it would take something more than a few prisms in the sunlight toto make her bang many doorsfor gladness. But come, now, really, what do you mean? Pollyanna stared slightly; then she drew a long breath. Oh, I forgot. You dont know about the game. I remember now. Suppose you tell me, then. And this time Pollyanna told him. She told him the whole thing from the very firstfrom the crutches that should have been a doll. As she talked, she did not look at his face. Her rapt eyes were still on the dancing flecks of color from the prism pendants swaying in the sunlit window. And thats all, she sighed, when she had finished. And now you know why I said the sun was trying to play itthat game. For a moment there was silence. Then a low voice from the bed said unsteadily: Perhaps; but Im thinking that the very finest prism of them all is yourself, Pollyanna. Oh, but I dont show beautiful red and green and purple when the sun shines through me, Mr. Pendleton! Dont you? smiled the man. And Pollyanna, looking into his face, wondered why there were tears in his eyes. No, she said. Then, after a minute she added mournFree eBooks at Planet eBook.com 1
fully: Im afraid, Mr. Pendleton, the sun doesnt make anything but freckles out of me. Aunt Polly says it DOES make them! The man laughed a little; and again Pollyanna looked at him: the laugh had sounded almost like a sob.
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Pollyanna
CHAPTER XIX. WHICH IS SOMEWHAT SURPRISING
ollyanna entered school in September. Preliminary examinations showed that she was well advanced for a girl of her years, and she was soon a happy member of a class of girls and boys her own age. School, in some ways, was a surprise to Pollyanna; and Pollyanna, certainly, in many ways, was very much of a surprise to school. They were soon on the best of terms, however, and to her aunt Pollyanna confessed that going to school WAS living, after allthough she had had her doubts before. In spite of her delight in her new work, Pollyanna did not forget her old friends. True, she could not give them quite so much time now, of course; but she gave them what time she could. Perhaps John Pendleton, of them all, however, was the most dissatisfied. One Saturday afternoon he spoke to her about it. See here, Pollyanna, how would you like to come and live with me? he asked, a little impatiently. I dont see anything of you, nowadays. Pollyanna laughedMr. Pendleton was such a funny man! I thought you didnt like to have folks round, she said.
He made a wry face. Oh, but that was before you taught me to play that wonderful game of yours. Now Im glad to be waited on, hand and foot! Never mind, Ill be on my own two feet yet, one of these days; then Ill see who steps around, he finished, picking up one of the crutches at his side and shaking it playfully at the little girl. They were sitting in the great library to-day. Oh, but you arent really glad at all for things; you just SAY you are, pouted Pollyanna, her eyes on the dog, dozing before the fire. You know you dont play the game right EVER, Mr. Pendletonyou know you dont! The mans face grew suddenly very grave. Thats why I want you, little girlto help me play it. Will you come? Pollyanna turned in surprise. Mr. Pendleton, you dont really meanthat? But I do. I want you. Will you come? Pollyanna looked distressed. Why, Mr. Pendleton, I cantyou know I cant. Why, ImAunt Pollys! A quick something crossed the mans face that Pollyanna could not quite understand. His head came up almost fiercely. Youre no more hers thanPerhaps she would let you come to me, he finished more gently. Would you comeif she did? Pollyanna frowned in deep thought. But Aunt Polly has been sogood to me, she began
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slowly; and she took me when I didnt have anybody left but the Ladies Aid, and Again that spasm of something crossed the mans face; but this time, when he spoke, his voice was low and very sad. Pollyanna, long years ago I loved somebody very much. I hoped to bring her, some day, to this house. I pictured how happy wed be together in our home all the long years to come. Yes, pitied Pollyanna, her eyes shining with sympathy. Butwell, I didnt bring her here. Never mind why. I just didnt thats all. And ever since then this great gray pile of stone has been a housenever a home. It takes a womans hand and heart, or a childs presence, to make a home, Pollyanna; and I have not had either. Now will you come, my dear? Pollyanna sprang to her feet. Her face was fairly illumined. Mr. Pendleton, youyou mean that you wish youyou had had that womans hand and heart all this time? Why, y-yes, Pollyanna. Oh, Im so glad! Then its all right, sighed the little girl. Now you can take us both, and everything will be lovely. Takeyouboth? repeated the man, dazedly. A faint doubt crossed Pollyannas countenance. Well, of course, Aunt Polly isnt won over, yet; but Im sure she will be if you tell it to her just as you did to me, and then wed both come, of course. A look of actual terror leaped to the mans eyes.
Aunt Polly comeHERE! Pollyannas eyes widened a little. Would you rather go THERE? she asked. Of course the house isnt quite so pretty, but its nearer Pollyanna, what ARE you talking about? asked the man, very gently now. Why, about where were going to live, of course, rejoined Pollyanna, in obvious surprise. I THOUGHT you meant here, at first. You said it was here that you had wanted Aunt Pollys hand and heart all these years to make a home, and An inarticulate cry came from the mans throat. He raised his hand and began to speak; but the next moment he dropped his hand nervelessly at his side. The doctor, sir, said the maid in the doorway. Pollyanna rose at once. John Pendleton turned to her feverishly. Pollyanna, for Heavens sake, say nothing of what I asked youyet, he begged, in a low voice. Pollyanna dimpled into a sunny smile. Of course not! Just as if I didnt know youd rather tell her yourself! she called back merrily over her shoulder. John Pendleton fell limply back in his chair. Why, whats up? demanded the doctor, a minute later, his fingers on his patients galloping pulse. A whimsical smile trembled on John Pendletons lips. Overdose of yourtonic, I guess, he laughed, as he noted the doctors eyes following Pollyannas little figure down the driveway.
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CHAPTER XX. WHICH IS MORE SURPRISING

unday mornings Pollyanna usually attended church and Sunday school. Sunday afternoons she frequently went for a walk with Nancy. She had planned one for the day after her Saturday afternoon visit to Mr. John Pendleton; but on the way home from Sunday school Dr. Chilton overtook her in his gig, and brought his horse to a stop. Suppose you let me drive you home, Pollyanna, he suggested. I want to speak to you a minute. I, was just driving out to your place to tell you, he went on, as Pollyanna settled herself at his side. Mr. Pendleton sent a special request for you to go to see him this afternoon, SURE. He says its very important. Pollyanna nodded happily. Yes, it is, I know. Ill go. The doctor eyed her with some surprise. Im not sure I shall let you, after all, he declared, his eyes twinkling. You seemed more upsetting than soothing yesterday, young lady. Pollyanna laughed. Oh, it wasnt me, trulynot really, you know; not so much as it was Aunt Polly. The doctor turned with a quick start.
Youraunt! he ejaculated. Pollyanna gave a happy little bounce in her seat. Yes. And its so exciting and lovely, just like a story, you know. IIm going to tell you, she burst out, with sudden decision. He said not to mention it; but he wouldnt mind your knowing, of course. He meant not to mention it to HER. HER? Yes; Aunt Polly. And, of course he WOULD want to tell her himself instead of having me do itlovers, so! Lovers! As the doctor said the word, the horse started violently, as if the hand that held the reins had given them a sharp jerk. Yes, nodded Pollyanna, happily. Thats the story-part, you see. I didnt know it till Nancy told me. She said Aunt Polly had a lover years ago, and they quarrelled. She didnt know who it was at first. But weve found out now. Its Mr. Pendleton, you know. The doctor relaxed suddenly, The hand holding the reins fell limply to his lap. Oh! No; Ididnt know, he said quietly. Pollyanna hurried onthey were nearing the Harrington homestead. Yes; and Im so glad now. Its come out lovely. Mr. Pendleton asked me to come and live with him, but of course I wouldnt leave Aunt Polly like thatafter shed been so good to me. Then he told me all about the womans hand and heart that he used to want, and I found out that he wanted it now; and I was so glad! For of course if he wants
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to make up the quarrel, everything will be all right now, and Aunt Polly and I will both go to live there, or else hell come to live with us. Of course Aunt Polly doesnt know yet, and we havent got everything settled; so I suppose that is why he wanted to see me this afternoon, sure. The doctor sat suddenly erect. There was an odd smile on his lips. Yes; I can well imagine that Mr. John Pendleton does want to see you, Pollyanna, he nodded, as he pulled his horse to a stop before the door. Theres Aunt Polly now in the window, cried Pollyanna; then, a second later: Why, no, she isntbut I thought I saw her! No; she isnt therenow, said the doctor, His lips had suddenly lost their smile. Pollyanna found a very nervous John Pendleton waiting for her that afternoon. Pollyanna, he began at once. Ive been trying all night to puzzle out what you meant by all that, yesterdayabout my wanting your Aunt Pollys hand and heart here all those years. What did you mean? Why, because you were lovers, you know once; and I was so glad you still felt that way now. Lovers!your Aunt Polly and I? At the obvious surprise in the mans voice, Pollyanna opened wide her eyes. Why, Mr. Pendleton, Nancy said you were! The man gave a short little laugh. Indeed! Well, Im afraid I shall have to say that Nancy
didnt know. Then youwerent lovers? Pollyannas Voice was tragic with dismay. Never! And it ISNT all coming out like a book? There was no answer. The mans eyes were moodily fixed out the window. O dear! And it was all going so splendidly, almost sobbed Pollyanna. Id have been so glad to comewith Aunt Polly. And you wontnow? The man asked the question without turning his head. Of course not! Im Aunt Pollys. The man turned now, almost fiercely. Before you were hers, Pollyanna, you wereyour mothers. Andit was your mothers hand and heart that I wanted long years ago. My mothers! Yes. I had not meant to tell you, but perhaps its better, after all, that I donow. John Pendletons face had grown very white. He was speaking with evident difficulty. Pollyanna, her eyes wide and frightened, and her lips parted, was gazing at him fixedly. I loved your mother; but she didnt love me. And after a time she went away withyour father. I did not know until then how much I didcare. The whole world suddenly seemed to turn black under my fingers, andBut, never mind. For long years I have been a cross, crabbed, unlovable, unloved old manthough Im not nearly sixty, yet, Pollyanna. Then, One day, like one of
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the prisms that you love so well, little girl, you danced into my life, and flecked my dreary old world with dashes of the purple and gold and scarlet of your own bright cheeriness. I found out, after a time, who you were, andand I thought then I never wanted to see you again. I didnt want to be reminded ofyour mother. Butyou know how that came out. I just had to have you come. And now I want you always. Pollyanna, wont you come NOW? But, Mr. Pendleton, ITheres Aunt Polly! Pollyannas eyes were blurred with tears. The man made an impatient gesture. What about me? How do you suppose Im going to be glad about anythingwithout you? Why, Pollyanna, its only since you came that Ive been even half glad to live! But if I had you for my own little girl, Id be glad foranything; and Id try to make you glad, too, my dear. You shouldnt have a wish ungratified. All my money, to the last cent, should go to make you happy. Pollyanna looked shocked. Why, Mr. Pendleton, as if Id let you spend it on meall that money youve saved for the heathen! A dull red came to the mans face. He started to speak, but Pollyanna was still talking. Besides, anybody with such a lot of money as you have doesnt need me to make you glad about things. Youre making other folks so glad giving them things that you just cant help being glad yourself! Why, look at those prisms you gave Mrs. Snow and me, and the gold piece you gave Nancy on her birthday, and
Yes, yesnever mind about all that, interrupted the man. His face was very, very red nowand no wonder, perhaps: it was not for giving things that John Pendleton had been best known in the past. Thats all nonsense. Twasnt much, anyhowbut what there was, was because of you. YOU gave those things; not I! Yes, you did, he repeated, in answer to the shocked denial in her face. And that only goes to prove all the more how I need you, little girl, he added, his voice softening into tender pleading once more. If ever, ever I am to play the glad game, Pollyanna, youll have to come and play it with me. The little girls forehead puckered into a wistful frown. Aunt Polly has been so good to me, she began; but the man interrupted her sharply. The old irritability had come back to his face. Impatience which would brook no opposition had been a part of John Pendletons nature too long to yield very easily now to restraint. Of course shes been good to you! But she doesnt want you, Ill warrant, half so much as I do, he contested. Why, Mr. Pendleton, shes glad, I know, to have Glad! interrupted the man, thoroughly losing his patience now. Ill wager Miss Polly doesnt know how to be gladfor anything! Oh, she does her duty, I know. Shes a very DUTIFUL woman. Ive had experience with her duty, before. Ill acknowledge we havent been the best of friends for the last fifteen or twenty years. But I know her. Every one knows herand she isnt the glad kind, Pollyanna. She doesnt know how to be. As for your coming to me you just ask her and see if she wont let you come. And, oh,
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little girl, little girl, I want you so! he finished brokenly. Pollyanna rose to her feet with a long sigh. All right. Ill ask her, she said wistfully. Of course I dont mean that I wouldnt like to live here with you, Mr. Pendleton, but She did not complete her sentence. There was a moments silence, then she added: Well, anyhow, Im glad I didnt tell her yesterday;cause then I supposed SHE was wanted, too. John Pendleton smiled grimly. Well, yes, Pollyanna; I guess it is just as well you didnt mention ityesterday. I didntonly to the doctor; and of course he doesnt count. The doctor! cried John Pendleton, turning quickly. NotDr.Chilton? Yes; when he came to tell me you wanted to see me today, you know. Well, of all the muttered the man, falling back in his chair. Then he sat up with sudden interest. And what did Dr. Chilton say? he asked. Pollyanna frowned thoughtfully. Why, I dont remember. Not much, I reckon. Oh, he did say he could well imagine you did want to see me. Oh, did he, indeed! answered John Pendleton. And Pollyanna wondered why he gave that sudden queer little laugh.
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CHAPTER XXI. A QUESTION ANSWERED
he sky was darkening fast with what appeared to be an approaching thunder shower when Pollyanna hurried down the hill from John Pendletons house. Half-way home she met Nancy with an umbrella. By that time, however, the clouds had shifted their position and the shower was not so imminent. Guess its goin round ter the north, announced Nancy, eyeing the sky critically. I thought twas, all the time, but Miss Polly wanted me ter come with this. She was WORRIED about ye! Was she? murmured Pollyanna abstractedly, eyeing the clouds in her turn. Nancy sniffed a little. You dont seem ter notice what I said, she observed aggrievedly. I said yer aunt was WORRIED about ye! Oh, sighed Pollyanna, remembering suddenly the question she was so soon to ask her aunt. Im sorry. I didnt mean to scare her. Well, Im glad, retorted Nancy, unexpectedly. I am, I am. Pollyanna stared. GLAD that Aunt Polly was scared about me! Why, NanPollyanna
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cy, THAT isnt the way to play the gameto be glad for things like that! she objected. There want no game in it, retorted Nancy. Never thought of it. YOU dont seem ter sense what it means ter have Miss Polly WORRIED about ye, child! Why, it means worriedand worried is horridto feel, maintained Pollyanna. What else can it mean? Nancy tossed her head. Well, Ill tell ye what it means. It means shes at last gettin down somewheres near humanlike folks; an that she aint jest doin her duty by ye all the time. Why, Nancy, demurred the scandalized Pollyanna, Aunt Polly always does her duty. Sheshes a very dutiful woman! Unconsciously Pollyanna repeated John Pendletons words of half an hour before. Nancy chuckled. Youre right she isand she always was, I guess! But shes somethin more, now, since you came. Pollyannas face changed. Her brows drew into a troubled frown. There, thats what I was going to ask you, Nancy, she sighed. Do you think Aunt Polly likes to have me here? Would she mindif if I wasnt here any more? Nancy threw a quick look into the little girls absorbed face. She had expected to be asked this question long before, and she had dreaded it. She had wondered how she should answer ithow she could answer it honestly without cruelly hurting the questioner. But now, NOW, in the face of the new suspicions that had become convictions by the
afternoons umbrella-sendingNancy only welcomed the question with open arms. She was sure that, with a clean conscience to-day, she could set the love-hungry little girls heart at rest. Likes ter have ye here? Would she miss ye if ye want here? cried Nancy, indignantly. As if that want jest what I was tellin of ye! Didnt she send me posthaste with an umbrella cause she see a little cloud in the sky? Didnt she make me tote yer things all down-stairs, so you could have the pretty room you wanted? Why, Miss Pollyanna, when ye remember how at first she hated ter have With a choking cough Nancy pulled herself up just in time. And it aint jest things I can put my fingers on, neither, rushed on Nancy, breathlessly. Its little ways she has, that shows how youve been softenin her up an mellerin her downthe cat, and the dog, and the way she speaks ter me, and oh, lots o things. Why, Miss Pollyanna, there aint no tellin how shed miss yeif ye want here, finished Nancy, speaking with an enthusiastic certainty that was meant to hide the perilous admission she had almost made before. Even then she was not quite prepared for the sudden joy that illumined Pollyannas face. Oh, Nancy, Im so gladgladglad! You dont know how glad I am that Aunt Pollywants me! As if Id leave her now! thought Pollyanna, as she climbed the stairs to her room a little later. I always knew I wanted to live with Aunt Pollybut I reckon maybe I didnt know quite how much I wanted Aunt Pollyto want to live
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with ME! The task of telling John Pendleton of her decision would not be an easy one, Pollyanna knew, and she dreaded it. She was very fond of John Pendleton, and she was very sorry for himbecause he seemed to be so sorry for himself. She was sorry, too, for the long, lonely life that had made him so unhappy; and she was grieved that it had been because of her mother that he had spent those dreary years. She pictured the great gray house as it would be after its master was well again, with its silent rooms, its littered floors, its disordered desk; and her heart ached for his loneliness. She wished that somewhere, some one might be found whoAnd it was at this point that she sprang to her feet with a little cry of joy at the thought that had come to her. As soon as she could, after that, she hurried up the hill to John Pendletons house; and in due time she found herself in the great dim library, with John Pendleton himself sitting near her, his long, thin hands lying idle on the arms of his chair, and his faithful little dog at his feet. Well, Pollyanna, is it to be the glad game with me, all the rest of my life? asked the man, gently. Oh, yes, cried Pollyanna. Ive thought of the very gladdest kind of a thing for you to do, and WithYOU? asked John Pendleton, his mouth growing a little stern at the corners. N-no; but Pollyanna, you arent going to say no! interrupted a voice deep with emotion. IIve got to, Mr. Pendleton; truly I have. Aunt Polly
Did she REFUSEto let youcome? II didnt ask her, stammered the little girl, miserably. Pollyanna! Pollyanna turned away her eyes. She could not meet the hurt, grieved gaze of her friend. So you didnt even ask her! I couldnt, sirtruly, faltered Pollyanna. You see, I found outwithout asking. Aunt Polly WANTS me with her, andand I want to stay, too, she confessed bravely. You dont know how good shes been to me; andand I think, really, sometimes shes beginning to be glad about thingslots of things. And you know she never used to be. You said it yourself. Oh, Mr. Pendleton, I COULDNT leave Aunt Pollynow! There was a long pause. Only the snapping of the wood fire in the grate broke the silence. At last, however, the man spoke. No, Pollyanna; I see. You couldnt leave hernow, he said. I wont ask youagain. The last word was so low it was almost inaudible; but Pollyanna heard. Oh, but you dont know about the rest of it, she reminded him eagerly. Theres the very gladdest thing you CAN dotruly there is! Not for me, Pollyanna. Yes, sir, for you. You SAID it. You said only aa womans hand and heart or a childs presence could make a home. And I can get it for youa childs presence;not me, you know, but another one. As if I would have any but you! resented an indignant
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voice. But you willwhen you know; youre so kind and good! Why, think of the prisms and the gold pieces, and all that money you save for the heathen, and Pollyanna! interrupted the man, savagely. Once for all let us end that nonsense! Ive tried to tell you half a dozen times before. There is no money for the heathen. I never sent a penny to them in my life. There! He lifted his chin and braced himself to meet what he expectedthe grieved disappointment of Pollyannas eyes. To his amazement, however, there was neither grief nor disappointment in Pollyannas eyes. There was only surprised joy. Oh, oh! she cried, clapping her hands. Im so glad! That is, she corrected, coloring distressfully, I dont mean that Im not sorry for the heathen, only just now I cant help being glad that you dont want the little India boys, because all the rest have wanted them. And so Im glad youd rather have Jimmy Bean. Now I know youll take him! TakeWHO? Jimmy Bean. Hes the childs presence, you know; and hell be so glad to be it. I had to tell him last week that even my Ladies Aid out West wouldnt take him, and he was so disappointed. But nowwhen he hears of thishell be so glad! Will he? Well, I wont, ejaculated the man, decisively. Pollyanna, this is sheer nonsense! You dont meanyou wont take him? I certainly do mean just that.
But hed be a lovely childs presence, faltered Pollyanna. She was almost crying now. And you COULDNT be lonesomewith Jimmy round. I dont doubt it, rejoined the man; butI think I prefer the lonesomeness. It was then that Pollyanna, for the first time in weeks, suddenly remembered something Nancy had once told her. She raised her chin aggrievedly. Maybe you think a nice live little boy wouldnt be better than that old dead skeleton you keep somewhere; but I think it would! SKELETON? Yes. Nancy said you had one in your closet, somewhere. Why, what Suddenly the man threw back his head and laughed. He laughed very heartily indeedso heartily that Pollyanna began to cry from pure nervousness. When he saw that, John Pendleton sat erect very promptly. His face grew grave at once. Pollyanna, I suspect you are rightmore right than you know, he said gently. In fact, I KNOW that a nice live little boy would be far better thanmy skeleton in the closet; onlywe arent always willing to make the exchange. We are apt to still cling toour skeletons, Pollyanna. However, suppose you tell me a little more about this nice little boy. And Pollyanna told him. Perhaps the laugh cleared the air; or perhaps the pathos of Jimmy Beans story as told by Pollyannas eager little lips touched a heart already strangely softened. At all events, when Pollyanna went home that night she carried with her
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an invitation for Jimmy Bean himself to call at the great house with Pollyanna the next Saturday afternoon. And Im so glad, and Im sure youll like him, sighed Pollyanna, as she said good-by. I do so want Jimmy Bean to have a homeand folks that care, you know.
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CHAPTER XXII. SERMONS AND WOODBOXES

n the afternoon that Pollyanna told John Pendleton of Jimmy Bean, the Rev. Paul Ford climbed the hill and entered the Pendleton Woods, hoping that the hushed beauty of Gods out-of-doors would still the tumult that His children of men had wrought. The Rev. Paul Ford was sick at heart. Month by month, for a year past, conditions in the parish under him had been growing worse and worse; until it seemed that now, turn which way he would, he encountered only wrangling, backbiting, scandal, and jealousy. He had argued, pleaded, rebuked, and ignored by turns; and always and through all he had prayedearnestly, hopefully. But to-day miserably he was forced to own that matters were no better, but rather worse. Two of his deacons were at swords points over a silly something that only endless brooding had made of any account. Three of his most energetic women workers had withdrawn from the Ladies Aid Society because a tiny spark of gossip had been fanned by wagging tongues into a devouring flame of scandal. The choir had split over the amount of solo work given to a fanciedly preferred singer. Even the Christian Endeavor Society was in a ferment of
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unrest owing to open criticism of two of its officers. As to the Sunday schoolit had been the resignation of its superintendent and two of its teachers that had been the last straw, and that had sent the harassed minister to the quiet woods for prayer and meditation. Under the green arch of the trees the Rev. Paul Ford faced the thing squarely. To his mind, the crisis had come. Something must be doneand done at once. The entire work of the church was at a standstill. The Sunday services, the week-day prayer meeting, the missionary teas, even the suppers and socials were becoming less and less well attended. True, a few conscientious workers were still left. But they pulled at cross purposes, usually; and always they showed themselves to be acutely aware of the critical eyes all about them, and of the tongues that had nothing to do but to talk about what the eyes saw. And because of all this, the Rev. Paul Ford understood very well that he (Gods minister), the church, the town, and even Christianity itself was suffering; and must suffer still more unless Clearly something must be done, and done at once. But what? Slowly the minister took from his pocket the notes he had made for his next Sundays sermon. Frowningly he looked at them. His mouth settled into stern lines, as aloud, very impressively, he read the verses on which he had determined to speak: But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye
neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in. Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye devour widows houses, and for a pretence make long prayer: therefore ye shall receive the greater damnation. Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone. It was a bitter denunciation. In the green aisles of the woods, the ministers deep voice rang out with scathing effect. Even the birds and squirrels seemed hushed into awed silence. It brought to the minister a vivid realization of how those words would sound the next Sunday when he should utter them before his people in the sacred hush of the church. His people!they WERE his people. Could he do it? Dare he do it? Dare he not do it? It was a fearful denunciation, even without the words that would followhis own words. He had prayed and prayed. He had pleaded earnestly for help, for guidance. He longedoh, how earnestly he longed!to take now, in this crisis, the right step. But was thisthe right step? Slowly the minister folded the papers and thrust them back into his pocket. Then, with a sigh that was almost a moan, he flung himself down at the foot of a tree, and covered his face with his hands. It was there that Pollyanna, on her way home from the
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Pendleton house, found him. With a little cry she ran forward. Oh, oh, Mr. Ford! YouYOU havent broken YOUR leg oror anything, have you? she gasped. The minister dropped his hands, and looked up quickly. He tried to smile. No, dearno, indeed! Im justresting. Oh, sighed Pollyanna, falling back a little. Thats all right, then. You see, Mr. Pendleton HAD broken his leg when I found himbut he was lying down, though. And you are sitting up. Yes, I am sitting up; and I havent broken anythingthat doctors can mend. The last words were very low, but Pollyanna heard them. A swift change crossed her face. Her eyes glowed with tender sympathy. I know what you meansomething plagues you. Father used to feel like that, lots of times. I reckon ministers do most generally. You see theres such a lot depends on em, somehow. The Rev. Paul Ford turned a little wonderingly. Was YOUR father a minister, Pollyanna? Yes, sir. Didnt you know? I supposed everybody knew that. He married Aunt Pollys sister, and she was my mother. Oh, I understand. But, you see, I havent been here many years, so I dont know all the family histories. Yes, sirI mean, no, sir, smiled Pollyanna. There was a long pause. The minister, still sitting at the
foot of the tree, appeared to have forgotten Pollyannas presence. He had pulled some papers from his pocket and unfolded them; but he was not looking at them. He was gazing, instead, at a leaf on the ground a little distance awayand it was not even a pretty leaf. It was brown and dead. Pollyanna, looking at him, felt vaguely sorry for him. Itits a nice day, she began hopefully. For a moment there was no answer; then the minister looked up with a start. What? Oh!yes, it is a very nice day. And tisnt cold at all, either, even if tis October, observed Pollyanna, still more hopefully. Mr. Pendleton had a fire, but he said he didnt need it. It was just to look at. I like to look at fires, dont you? There was no reply this time, though Pollyanna waited patiently, before she tried againby a new route. Do You like being a minister? The Rev. Paul Ford looked up now, very quickly. Do I likeWhy, what an odd question! Why do you ask that, my dear? Nothingonly the way you looked. It made me think of my father. He used to look like thatsometimes. Did he? The ministers voice was polite, but his eyes had gone back to the dried leaf on the ground. Yes, and I used to ask him just as I did you if he was glad he was a minister. The man under the tree smiled a little sadly. Wellwhat did he say? Oh, he always said he was, of course, but most always
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he said, too, that he wouldnt STAY a minister a minute if twasnt for the rejoicing texts. TheWHAT? The Rev. Paul Fords eyes left the leaf and gazed wonderingly into Pollyannas merry little face. Well, thats what father used to call em, she laughed. Of course the Bible didnt name em that. But its all those that begin Be glad in the Lord, or Rejoice greatly, or Shout for joy, and all that, you knowsuch a lot of em. Once, when father felt specially bad, he counted em. There were eight hundred of em. Eight hundred! Yesthat told you to rejoice and be glad, you know; thats why father named em the rejoicing texts. Oh! There was an odd look on the ministers face. His eyes had fallen to the words on the top paper in his hands But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! And so your fatherliked those rejoicing texts, he murmured. Oh, yes, nodded Pollyanna, emphatically. He said he felt better right away, that first day he thought to count em. He said if God took the trouble to tell us eight hundred times to be glad and rejoice, He must want us to do itSOME. And father felt ashamed that he hadnt done it more. After that, they got to be such a comfort to him, you know, when things went wrong; when the Ladies Aiders got to fightI mean, when they DIDNT AGREE about something, corrected Pollyanna, hastily. Why, it was those texts, too, father said, that made HIM think of the gamehe began with ME on the crutchesbut he said twas the rejoicing
texts that started him on it. And what game might that be? asked the minister. About finding something in everything to be glad about, you know. As I said, he began with me on the crutches. And once more Pollyanna told her storythis time to a man who listened with tender eyes and understanding ears. A little later Pollyanna and the minister descended the hill, hand in hand. Pollyannas face was radiant. Pollyanna loved to talk, and she had been talking now for some time: there seemed to be so many, many things about the game, her father, and the old home life that the minister wanted to know. At the foot of the hill their ways parted, and Pollyanna down one road, and the minister down another, walked on alone. In the Rev. Paul Fords study that evening the minister sat thinking. Near him on the desk lay a few loose sheets of paperhis sermon notes. Under the suspended pencil in his fingers lay other sheets of paper, blankhis sermon to be. But the minister was not thinking either of what he had written, or of what be intended to write. In his imagination he was far away in a little Western town with a missionary minister who was poor, sick, worried, and almost alone in the worldbut who was poring over the Bible to find how many times his Lord and Master had told him to rejoice and be glad. After a time, with a long sigh, the Rev. Paul Ford roused himself, came back from the far Western town, and adjusted the sheets of paper under his hand.
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Matthew twenty-third; 1314 and 23, he wrote; then, with a gesture of impatience, he dropped his pencil and pulled toward him a magazine left on the desk by his wife a few minutes before. Listlessly his tired eyes turned from paragraph to paragraph until these words arrested them: A father one day said to his son, Tom, who, he knew, had refused to fill his mothers woodbox that morning: Tom, Im sure youll be glad to go and bring in some wood for your mother. And without a word Tom went. Why? Just because his father showed so plainly that he expected him to do the right thing. Suppose he had said: Tom, I overheard what you said to your mother this morning, and Im ashamed of you. Go at once and fill that woodbox! Ill warrant that woodbox, would be empty yet, so far as Tom was concerned! On and on read the ministera word here, a line there, a paragraph somewhere else: What men and women need is encouragement. Their natural resisting powers should be strengthened, not weakened. Instead of always harping on a mans faults, tell him of his virtues. Try to pull him out of his rut of bad habits. Hold up to him his better self, his REAL self that can dare and do and win out! The influence of a beautiful, helpful, hopeful character is contagious, and may revolutionize a whole town. People radiate what is in their minds and in their hearts. If a man feels kindly and obliging, his neighbors will feel that way, too, before long. But if he scolds and scowls and criticizeshis neighbors will return scowl for scowl, and add interest! When you look for the bad, exFree eBooks at Planet eBook.com 1
pecting it, you will get it. When you know you will find the goodyou will get that. Tell your son Tom you KNOW hell be glad to fill that woodboxthen watch him start, alert and interested! The minister dropped the paper and lifted his chin. In a moment he was on his feet, tramping the narrow room back and forth, back and forth. Later, some time later, he drew a long breath, and dropped himself in the chair at his desk. God helping me, Ill do it! he cried softly. Ill tell all my Toms I KNOW theyll be glad to fill that woodbox! Ill give them work to do, and Ill make them so full of the very joy of doing it that they wont have TIME to look at their neighbors woodboxes! And he picked up his sermon notes, tore straight through the sheets, and cast them from him, so that on one side of his chair lay But woe unto you, and on the other, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! while across the smooth white paper before him his pencil fairly flewafter first drawing one black line through Matthew twenty-third; 1314 and 23. Thus it happened that the Rev. Paul Fords sermon the next Sunday was a veritable bugle-call to the best that was in every man and woman and child that heard it; and its text was one of Pollyannas shining eight hundred: Be glad in the Lord and rejoice, ye righteous, and shout for joy all ye that are upright in heart.
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CHAPTER XXIII. AN ACCIDENT
t Mrs. Snows request, Pollyanna went one day to Dr. Chiltons office to get the name of a medicine which Mrs. Snow had forgotten. As it chanced, Pollyanna had never before seen the inside of Dr. Chiltons office. Ive never been to your home before! This IS your home, isnt it? she said, looking interestedly about her. The doctor smiled a little sadly. Yessuch as tis, he answered, as he wrote something on the pad of paper in his hand; but its a pretty poor apology for a home, Pollyanna. Theyre just rooms, thats allnot a home. Pollyanna nodded her head wisely. Her eyes glowed with sympathetic understanding. I know. It takes a womans hand and heart, or a childs presence to make a home, she said. Eh? The doctor wheeled about abruptly. Mr. Pendleton told me, nodded Pollyanna, again; about the womans hand and heart, or the childs presence, you know. Why dont you get a womans hand and heart, Dr. Chilton? Or maybe youd take Jimmy Beanif Mr. Pendleton doesnt want him. Dr. Chilton laughed a little constrainedly.
So Mr. Pendleton says it takes a womans hand and heart to make a home, does he? he asked evasively. Yes. He says his is just a house, too. Why dont you, Dr. Chilton? Why dont Iwhat? The doctor had turned back to his desk. Get a womans hand and heart. Ohand I forgot. Pollyannas face showed suddenly a painful color. I suppose I ought to tell you. It wasnt Aunt Polly that Mr. Pendleton loved long ago; and so wewe arent going there to live. You see, I told you it wasbut I made a mistake. I hope YOU didnt tell any one, she finished anxiously. NoI didnt tell any one, Pollyanna, replied the doctor, a little queerly. Oh, thats all right, then, sighed Pollyanna in relief. You see youre the only one I told, and I thought Mr. Pendleton looked sort of funny when I said Id told YOU. Did he? The doctors lips twitched. Yes. And of course he wouldnt want many people to know itwhen twasnt true. But why dont you get a womans hand and heart, Dr. Chilton? There was a moments silence; then very gravely the doctor said: Theyre not always to be hadfor the asking, little girl. Pollyanna frowned thoughtfully. But I should think you could get em, she argued. The flattering emphasis was unmistakable. Thank you, laughed the doctor, with uplifted eyebrows. Then, gravely again: Im afraid some of your older sisters
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would not be quite soconfident. At least, theythey havent shown themselves to be soobliging, he observed. Pollyanna frowned again. Then her eyes widened in surprise. Why, Dr. Chilton, you dont meanyou didnt try to get somebodys hand and heart once, like Mr. Pendleton, and and couldnt, did you? The doctor got to his feet a little abruptly. There, there, Pollyanna, never mind about that now. Dont let other peoples troubles worry your little head. Suppose you run back now to Mrs. Snow. Ive written down the name of the medicine, and the directions how she is to take it. Was there anything else? Pollyanna shook her head. No, Sir; thank you, Sir, she murmured soberly, as she turned toward the door. From the little hallway she called back, her face suddenly alight: Anyhow, Im glad twasnt my mothers hand and heart that you wanted and couldnt get, Dr. Chilton. Good-by! It was on the last day of October that the accident occurred. Pollyanna, hurrying home from school, crossed the road at an apparently safe distance in front of a swiftly approaching motor car. Just what happened, no one could seem to tell afterward. Neither was there any one found who could tell why it happened or who was to blame that it did happen. Pollyanna, however, at five oclock, was borne, limp and unconscious, into the little room that was so dear to her. There, by a whitefaced Aunt Polly and a weeping Nancy she was undressed
tenderly and put to bed, while from the village, hastily summoned by telephone, Dr. Warren was hurrying as fast as another motor car could bring him. And ye didnt need ter moren look at her aunts face, Nancy was sobbing to Old Tom in the garden, after the doctor had arrived and was closeted in the hushed room; ye didnt need ter moren look at her aunts face ter see that twant no duty that was eatin her. Yer hands dont shake, and yer eyes dont look as if ye was tryin ter hold back the Angel o Death himself, when youre jest doin yer DUTY, Mr. Tom they dont, they dont! Is she hurtbad? The old mans voice shook. There aint no tellin, sobbed Nancy. She lay back that white an still she might easy be dead; but Miss Polly said she want deadan Miss Polly had oughter know, if any one wouldshe kept up such a listenin an a feelin for her heartbeats an her breath! Couldnt ye tell anythin what it done to her?that that Old Toms face worked convulsively. Nancys lips relaxed a little. I wish ye WOULD call it somethin, Mr. Tom an somethin good an strong, too. Drat it! Ter think of its runnin down our little girl! I always hated the evil-smellin things, anyhowI did, I did! But where is she hurt? I dont know, I dont know, moaned Nancy. Theres a little cut on her blessed head, but taint badthat aintMiss Polly says. She says shes afraid its infernally shes hurt. A faint flicker came into Old Toms eyes.
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I guess you mean internally, Nancy, he said dryly. Shes hurt infernally, all rightplague take that autymobile!but I dont guess Miss Pollyd be usin that word, all the same. Eh? Well, I dont know, I dont know, moaned Nancy, with a shake of her head as she turned away. Seems as if I jest couldnt stand it till that doctor gits out o there. I wish I had a washin ter dothe biggest washin I ever see, I do, I do! she wailed, wringing her hands helplessly. Even after the doctor was gone, however, there seemed to be little that Nancy could tell Mr. Tom. There appeared to be no bones broken, and the cut was of slight consequence; but the doctor had looked very grave, had shaken his head slowly, and had said that time alone could tell. After he had gone, Miss Polly had shown a face even whiter and more drawn looking than before. The patient had not fully recovered consciousness, but at present she seemed to be resting as comfortably as could be expected. A trained nurse had been sent for, and would come that night. That was all. And Nancy turned sobbingly, and went back to her kitchen. It was sometime during the next forenoon that Pollyanna opened conscious eyes and realized where she was. Why, Aunt Polly, whats the matter? Isnt it daytime? Why dont I get up? she cried. Why, Aunt Polly, I cant get up, she moaned, falling back on the pillow, after an ineffectual attempt to lift herself. No, dear, I wouldnt tryjust yet, soothed her aunt quickly, but very quietly. But what is the matter? Why cant I get up? Miss Pollys eyes asked an agonized question of the
white-capped young woman standing in the window, out of the range of Pollyannas eyes. The young woman nodded. Tell her, the lips said. Miss Polly cleared her throat, and tried to swallow the lump that would scarcely let her speak. You were hurt, dear, by the automobile last night. But never mind that now. Auntie wants you to rest and go to sleep again. Hurt? Oh, yes; II ran. Pollyannas eyes were dazed. She lifted her hand to her forehead. Why, itsdone up, and ithurts! Yes, dear; but never mind. Justjust rest. But, Aunt Polly, I feel so funny, and so bad! My legs feel soso queeronly they dont FEELat all! With an imploring look into the nurses face, Miss Polly struggled to her feet, and turned away. The nurse came forward quickly. Suppose you let me talk to you now, she began cheerily. Im sure I think its high time we were getting acquainted, and Im going to introduce myself. I am Miss Hunt, and Ive come to help your aunt take care of you. And the very first thing Im going to do is to ask you to swallow these little white pills for me. Pollyannas eyes grew a bit wild. But I dont want to be taken care ofthat is, not for long! I want to get up. You know I go to school. Cant I go to school to-morrow? From the window where Aunt Polly stood now there
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came a half-stifled cry. To-morrow? smiled the nurse, brightly. Well, I may not let you out quite so soon as that, Miss Pollyanna. But just swallow these little pills for me, please, and well see what THEYLL do. All right, agreed Pollyanna, somewhat doubtfully; but I MUST go to school day after to-morrowthere are examinations then, you know. She spoke again, a minute later. She spoke of school, and of the automobile, and of how her head ached; but very soon her voice trailed into silence under the blessed influence of the little white pills she had swallowed.
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CHAPTER XXIV. JOHN PENDLETON

ollyanna did not go to school to-morrow, nor the day after to-morrow. Pollyanna, however, did not realize this, except momentarily when a brief period of full consciousness sent insistent questions to her lips. Pollyanna did not realize anything, in fact, very clearly until a week had passed; then the fever subsided, the pain lessened somewhat, and her mind awoke to full consciousness. She had then to be told all over again what had occurred. And so its hurt that I am, and not sick, she sighed at last. Well, Im glad of that. G-glad, Pollyanna? asked her aunt, who was sitting by the bed. Yes. Id so much rather have broken legs like Mr. Pendletons than life-long-invalids like Mrs. Snow, you know. Broken legs get well, and lifelong-invalids dont. Miss Pollywho had said nothing whatever about broken legsgot suddenly to her feet and walked to the little dressing table across the room. She was picking up one object after another now, and putting each down, in an aimless fashion quite unlike her usual decisiveness. Her face was not aimless-looking at all, however; it was white and drawn. On the bed Pollyanna lay blinking at the dancing band
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of colors on the ceiling, which came from one of the prisms in the window. Im glad it isnt smallpox that ails me, too, she murmured contentedly. That would be worse than freckles. And Im glad tisnt whooping coughIve had that, and its horridand Im glad tisnt appendicitis nor measles, cause theyre catchingmeasles are, I meanand they wouldnt let you stay here. You seem toto be glad for a good many things, my dear, faltered Aunt Polly, putting her hand to her throat as if her collar bound. Pollyanna laughed softly. I am. Ive been thinking of emlots of emall the time Ive been looking up at that rainbow. I love rainbows. Im so glad Mr. Pendleton gave me those prisms! Im glad of some things I havent said yet. I dont know but Im most glad I was hurt. Pollyanna! Pollyanna laughed softly again. She turned luminous eyes on her aunt. Well, you see, since I have been hurt, youve called me dear lots of timesand you didnt before. I love to be called dearby folks that belong to you, I mean. Some of the Ladies Aiders did call me that; and of course that was pretty nice, but not so nice as if they had belonged to me, like you do. Oh, Aunt Polly, Im so glad you belong to me! Aunt Polly did not answer. Her hand was at her throat again. Her eyes were full of tears. She had turned away and was hurrying from the room through the door by which the
nurse had just entered. It was that afternoon that Nancy ran out to Old Tom, who was cleaning harnesses in the barn. Her eyes were wild. Mr. Tom, Mr. Tom. guess whats happened, she panted. You couldnt guess in a thousand yearsyou couldnt, you couldnt! Then I callate I wont try, retorted the man, grimly, specially as I haint got moren TEN ter live, anyhow, probably. Youd better tell me first off, Nancy. Well, listen, then. Who do you spose is in the parlor now with the mistress? Who, I say? Old Tom shook his head. Theres no tellin, he declared. Yes, there is. Im tellin. ItsJohn Pendleton! Sho, now! Youre jokin, girl. Not much I aman me a-lettin him in myselfcrutches an all! An the team he come in a-waitin this minute at the door for him, jest as if he want the cranky old crosspatch he is, what never talks ter no one! jest think, Mr. TomHIM a-callin on HER! Well, why not? demanded the old man, a little aggressively. Nancy gave him a scornful glance. As if you didnt know bettern me! she derided. Eh? Oh, you neednt be so innercent, she retorted with mock indignation; you what led me wildgoose chasin in the first place! What do ye mean?
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Nancy glanced through the open barn door toward the house, and came a step nearer to the old man. Listen! Twas you that was tellin me Miss Polly had a lover in the first place, want it? Well, one day I thinks I finds two and two, and I puts em tergether an makes four. But it turns out ter be fivean no four at all, at all! With a gesture of indifference Old Tom turned and fell to work. If youre goin ter talk ter me, youve got ter talk plain horse sense, he declared testily. I never was no hand for figgers. Nancy laughed. Well, its this, she explained. I heard somethin that made me think him an Miss Polly was lovers. MR. PENDLETON! Old Tom straightened up. Yes. Oh, I know now; he wasnt. It was that blessed childs mother he was in love with, and thats why he wantedbut never mind that part, she added hastily, remembering just in time her promise to Pollyanna not to tell that Mr. Pendleton had wished her to come and live with him. Well, Ive been askin folks about him some, since, and Ive found out that him an Miss Polly haint been friends for years, an that shes been hatin him like pizen owin ter the silly gossip that coupled their names tergether when she was eighteen or twenty. Yes, I remember, nodded Old Tom. It was three or four years after Miss Jennie give him the mitten and went off with the other chap. Miss Polly knew about it, of course, and was sorry for him. So she tried ter be nice to him. MayFree eBooks at Planet eBook.com 1
be she overdid it a littleshe hated that minister chap so who had took off her sister. At any rate, somebody begun ter make trouble. They said she was runnin after him. Runnin after any manher! interjected Nancy. I know it; but they did, declared Old Tom, and of course no gal of any spunkll stand that. Then about that time come her own lover an the trouble with HIM. After that she shut up like an oyster an wouldnt have nothin ter do with nobody fur a spell. Her heart jest seemed to turn bitter at the core. Yes, I know. Ive heard about that now, rejoined Nancy; an thats why you could a knocked me down with a feather when I see HIM at the doorhim, what she haint spoke to for years! But I let him in an went an told her. What did she say? Old Tom held his breath suspended. Nothinat first. She was so still I thought she hadnt heard; and I was jest goin ter say it over when she speaks up quiet like: Tell Mr. Pendleton I will be down at once. An I come an told him. Then I come out here an told you, finished Nancy, casting another backward glance toward the house. Humph! grunted Old Tom; and fell to work again. In the ceremonious parlor of the Harrington homestead, Mr. John Pendleton did not have to wait long before a swift step warned him of Miss Pollys coming. As he attempted to rise, she made a gesture of remonstrance. She did not offer her hand, however, and her face was coldly reserved. I called to ask forPollyanna, he began at once, a little brusquely.
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Thank you. She is about the same, said Miss Polly. And that iswont you tell me HOW she is? His voice was not quite steady this time. A quick spasm of pain crossed the womans face. I cant, I wish I could! You meanyou dont know? Yes. Butthe doctor? Dr. Warren himself seemsat sea. He is in correspondence now with a New York specialist. They have arranged for a consultation at once. Butbut what WERE her injuries that you do know? A slight cut on the head, one or two bruises, andand an injury to the spine which has seemed to causeparalysis from the hips down. A low cry came from the man. There was a brief silence; then, huskily, he asked: And Pollyannahow does shetake it? She doesnt understandat allhow things really are. And I CANT tell her. But she must knowsomething! Miss Polly lifted her hand to the collar at her throat in the gesture that had become so common to her of late. Oh, yes. She knows she cantmove; but she thinks her legs arebroken. She says shes glad its broken legs like yours rather than lifelong-invalids like Mrs. Snows; because broken legs get well, and the otherdoesnt. She talks like that all the time, until itit seems as if I shoulddie! Through the blur of tears in his own eyes, the man saw
the drawn face opposite, twisted with emotion. Involuntarily his thoughts went back to what Pollyanna had said when he had made his final plea for her presence: Oh, I couldnt leave Aunt Pollynow! It was this thought that made him ask very gently, as soon as he could control his voice: I wonder if you know, Miss Harrington, how hard I tried to get Pollyanna to come and live with me. With YOU!Pollyanna! The man winced a little at the tone of her voice; but his own voice was still impersonally cool when he spoke again. Yes. I wanted to adopt herlegally, you understand; making her my heir, of course. The woman in the opposite chair relaxed a little. It came to her, suddenly, what a brilliant future it would have meant for Pollyannathis adoption; and she wondered if Pollyanna were old enough and mercenary enoughto be tempted by this mans money and position. I am very fond of Pollyanna, the man was continuing. I am fond of her both for her own sake, and forher mothers. I stood ready to give Pollyanna the love that had been twenty-five years in storage. LOVE. Miss Polly remembered suddenly why SHE had taken this child in the first placeand with the recollection came the remembrance of Pollyannas own words uttered that very morning: I love to be called dear by folks that belong to you! And it was this love-hungry little girl that had been offered the stored-up affection of twenty-five years: and she was old enough to be tempted by love! With a
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sinking heart Miss Polly realized that. With a sinking heart, too, she realized something else: the dreariness of her own future now without Pollyanna. Well? she said. And the man, recognizing the self-control that vibrated through the harshness of the tone, smiled sadly. She would not come, he answered. Why? She would not leave you. She said you had been so good to her. She wanted to stay with youand she said she THOUGHT you wanted her to stay, he finished, as he pulled himself to his feet. He did not look toward Miss Polly. He turned his face resolutely toward the door. But instantly he heard a swift step at his side, and found a shaking hand thrust toward him. When the specialist comes, and I know anythingdefinite about Pollyanna, I will let you hear from me, said a trembling voice. Good-byand thank you for coming. Pollyanna will be pleased.
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CHAPTER XXV. A WAITING GAME

n the day after John Pendletons call at the Harrington homestead, Miss Polly set herself to the task of preparing Pollyanna for the visit of the specialist. Pollyanna, my dear, she began gently, we have decided that we want another doctor besides Dr. Warren to see you. Another one might tell us something new to doto help you get well faster, you know. A joyous light came to Pollyannas face. Dr. Chilton! Oh, Aunt Polly, Id so love to have Dr. Chilton! Ive wanted him all the time, but I was afraid you didnt, on account of his seeing you in the sun parlor that day, you know; so I didnt like to say anything. But Im so glad you do want him! Aunt Pollys face had turned white, then red, then back to white again. But when she answered, she showed very plainly that she was trying to speak lightly and cheerfully. Oh, no, dear! It wasnt Dr. Chilton at all that I meant. It is a new doctora very famous doctor from New York, who who knows a great deal aboutabout hurts like yours. Pollyannas face fell. I dont believe he knows half so much as Dr. Chilton. Oh, yes, he does, Im sure, dear.
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But it was Dr. Chilton who doctored Mr. Pendletons broken leg, Aunt Polly. Ifif you dont mind VERY much, I WOULD LIKE to have Dr. Chiltontruly I would! A distressed color suffused Miss Pollys face. For a moment she did not speak at all; then she said gentlythough yet with a touch of her old stern decisiveness: But I do mind, Pollyanna. I mind very much. I would do anythingalmost anything for you, my dear; but Ifor reasons which I do not care to speak of now, I dont wish Dr. Chilton called in onon this case. And believe me, he can NOT know so much aboutabout your trouble, as this great doctor does, who will come from New York to-morrow. Pollyanna still looked unconvinced. But, Aunt Polly, if you LOVED Dr. Chilton WHAT, Pollyanna? Aunt Pollys voice was very sharp now. Her cheeks were very red, too. I say, if you loved Dr. Chilton, and didnt love the other one, sighed Pollyanna, seems to me that would make some difference in the good he would do; and I love Dr. Chilton. The nurse entered the room at that moment, and Aunt Polly rose to her feet abruptly, a look of relief on her face. I am very sorry, Pollyanna, she said, a little stiffly; but Im afraid youll have to let me be the judge, this time. Besides, its already arranged. The New York doctor is coming to-morrow. As it happened, however, the New York doctor did not come to-morrow. At the last moment a telegram told of an unavoidable delay owing to the sudden illness of the speFree eBooks at Planet eBook.com 1
cialist himself. This led Pollyanna into a renewed pleading for the substitution of Dr. Chiltonwhich would be so easy now, you know. But as before, Aunt Polly shook her head and said no, dear, very decisively, yet with a still more anxious assurance that she would do anythinganything but thatto please her dear Pollyanna. As the days of waiting passed, one by one, it did indeed, seem that Aunt Polly was doing everything (but that) that she could do to please her niece. I wouldnt a believed ityou couldnt a made me believe it, Nancy said to Old Tom one morning. There dont seem ter be a minute in the day that Miss Polly aint jest hangin round waitin ter do somethin for that blessed lamb if taint more than ter let in the catan her what wouldnt let Fluff nor Buff up-stairs for love nor money a week ago; an now she lets em tumble all over the bed jest cause it pleases Miss Pollyanna! An when she aint doin nothin else, shes movin them little glass danglers round ter diffrent winders in the room so the sunll make the rainbows dance, as that blessed child calls it. Shes sent Timothy down ter Cobbs greenhouse three times for fresh flowersan that besides all the posies fetched in ter her, too. An the other day, if I didnt find her sittin fore the bed with the nurse actually doin her hair, an Miss Pollyanna lookin on an bossin from the bed, her eyes all shinin an happy. An I declare ter goodness, if Miss Polly haint wore her hair like that every day nowjest ter please that blessed child!
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Old Tom chuckled. Well, it strikes me Miss Polly herself aint lookin none the worsefor wearin them ere curls round her forehead, he observed dryly. Course she aint, retorted Nancy, indignantly. She looks like FOLKS, now. Shes actually almost Keerful, now, Nancy! interrupted the old man, with a slow grin. You know what you said when I told ye she was handsome once. Nancy shrugged her shoulders. Oh, she aint handsome, of course; but I will own up she dont look like the same woman, what with the ribbons an lace jiggers Miss Pollyanna makes her wear round her neck. I told ye so, nodded the man. I told ye she wantold. Nancy laughed. Well, Ill own up she HAINT got quite so good an imitation of itas she did have, fore Miss Pollyanna come. Say, Mr. Tom, who WAS her A lover? I haint found that out, yet; I haint, I haint! Haint ye? asked the old man, with an odd look on his face. Well, I guess ye wont then from me. Oh, Mr. Tom, come on, now, wheedled the girl. Ye see, there aint many folks here that I CAN ask. Maybe not. But theres one, anyhow, that aint answerin, grinned Old Tom. Then, abruptly, the light died from his eyes. How is she, ter-daythe little gal? Nancy shook her head. Her face, too, had sobered. Just the same, Mr. Tom. There aint no special diffrence,
as I can seeor anybody, I guess. She jest lays there an sleeps an talks some, an tries ter smile an be glad cause the sun sets or the moon rises, or some other such thing, till its enough ter make yer heart break with achin. I know; its the gamebless her sweet heart! nodded Old Tom, blinking a little. She told YOU, then, too, about that eregame? Oh, yes. She told me long ago. The old man hesitated, then went on, his lips twitching a little. I was growlin one day cause I was so bent up and crooked; an what do ye spose the little thing said? I couldnt guess. I wouldnt think she could find ANYTHIN about THAT ter be glad about! She did. She said I could be glad, anyhow, that I didnt have ter STOOP SO FAR TER DO MY WEEDIN cause I was already bent part way over. Nancy gave a wistful laugh. Well, I aint surprised, after all. You might know shed find somethin. Weve been playin itthat gamesince almost the first, cause there want no one else she could play it withthough she did speak ofher aunt. MISS POLLY! Nancy chuckled. I guess you haint got such an awful diffrent opinion o the mistress than I have, she bridled. Old Tom stiffened. I was only thinkin twould besome of a surpriseto her, he explained with dignity. Well, yes, I guess twould beTHEN, retorted Nancy. I
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aint sayin what twould be NOW. Id believe anythin o the mistress noweven that shed take ter playin it herself! But haint the little gal told herever? Shes told evry one else, I guess. Im hearin of it evrywhere, now, since she was hurted, said Tom. Well, she didnt tell Miss Polly, rejoined Nancy. Miss Pollyanna told me long ago that she couldnt tell her, cause her aunt didnt like ter have her talk about her father; an twas her fathers game, an shed have ter talk about him if she did tell it. So she never told her. Oh, I see, I see. The old man nodded his head slowly. They was always bitter against the minister chapall of em, cause he took Miss Jennie away from em. An Miss Polly young as she wascouldnt never forgive him; she was that fond of Miss Jenniein them days. I see, I see. Twas a bad mess, he sighed, as he turned away. Yes, twasall round, all round, sighed Nancy in her turn, as she went back to her kitchen. For no one were those days of waiting easy. The nurse tried to look cheerful, but her eyes were troubled. The doctor was openly nervous and impatient. Miss Polly said little; but even the softening waves of hair about her face, and the becoming laces at her throat, could not hide the fact that she was growing thin and pale. As to PollyannaPollyanna petted the dog, smoothed the cats sleek head, admired the flowers and ate the fruits and jellies that were sent in to her; and returned innumerable cheery answers to the many messages of love and inquiry that were brought to her bedside. But she, too, grew pale and thin; and the nervous
activity of the poor little hands and arms only emphasized the pitiful motionlessness of the once active little feet and legs now lying so woefully quiet under the blankets. As to the gamePollyanna told Nancy these days how glad she was going to be when she could go to school again, go to see Mrs. Snow, go to call on Mr. Pendleton, and go to ride with Dr. Chilton nor did she seem to realize that all this gladness was in the future, not the present. Nancy, however, did realize itand cry about it, when she was alone.
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CHAPTER XXVI. A DOOR AJAR
ust a week from the time Dr. Mead, the specialist, was first expected, he came. He was a tall, broad-shouldered man with kind gray eyes, and a cheerful smile. Pollyanna liked him at once, and told him so. You look quite a lot like MY doctor, you see, she added engagingly. YOUR doctor? Dr. Mead glanced in evident surprise at Dr. Warren, talking with the nurse a few feet away. Dr. Warren was a small, brown-eyed man with a pointed brown beard. Oh, THAT isnt my doctor, smiled Pollyanna, divining his thought. Dr. Warren is Aunt Pollys doctor. My doctor is Dr. Chilton. Oh-h! said Dr. Mead, a little oddly, his eyes resting on Miss Polly, who, with a vivid blush, had turned hastily away. Yes. Pollyanna hesitated, then continued with her usual truthfulness. You see, I wanted Dr. Chilton all the time, but Aunt Polly wanted you. She said you knew more than Dr. Chilton, anyway aboutabout broken legs like mine. And of course if you do, I can be glad for that. Do you? A swift something crossed the doctors face that PollyFree eBooks at Planet eBook.com 01
anna could not quite translate. Only time can tell that, little girl, he said gently; then he turned a grave face toward Dr. Warren, who had just come to the bedside. Every one said afterward that it was the cat that did it. Certainly, if Fluffy had not poked an insistent paw and nose against Pollyannas unlatched door, the door would not have swung noiselessly open on its hinges until it stood perhaps a foot ajar; and if the door had not been open, Pollyanna would not have heard her aunts words. In the hall the two doctors, the nurse, and Miss Polly stood talking. In Pollyannas room Fluffy had just jumped to the bed with a little purring meow of joy when through the open door sounded clearly and sharply Aunt Pollys agonized exclamation. Not that! Doctor, not that! You dont meanthe child will NEVER WALK again! It was all confusion then. First, from the bedroom came Pollyannas terrified Aunt Polly Aunt Polly! Then Miss Polly, seeing the open door and realizing that her words had been heard, gave a low little moan andfor the first time in her lifefainted dead away. The nurse, with a choking She heard! stumbled toward the open door. The two doctors stayed with Miss Polly. Dr. Mead had to stayhe had caught Miss Polly as she fell. Dr. Warren stood by, helplessly. It was not until Pollyanna cried out again sharply and the nurse closed the door, that the two men, with a despairing glance into each others eyes, awoke to the immediate duty of bringing the woman in Dr.
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Meads arms back to unhappy consciousness. In Pollyannas room, the nurse had found a purring gray cat on the bed vainly trying to attract the attention of a white-faced, wild-eyed little girl. Miss Hunt, please, I want Aunt Polly. I want her right away, quick, please! The nurse closed the door and came forward hurriedly. Her face was very pale. Sheshe cant come just this minute, dear. She willa little later. What is it? Cant Iget it? Pollyanna shook her head. But I want to know what she saidjust now. Did you hear her? I want Aunt Pollyshe said something. I want her to tell me tisnt truetisnt true! The nurse tried to speak, but no words came. Something in her face sent an added terror to Pollyannas eyes. Miss Hunt, you DID hear her! It is true! Oh, it isnt true! You dont mean I cant everwalk again? There, there, deardont, dont! choked the nurse. Perhaps he didnt know. Perhaps he was mistaken. Theres lots of things that could happen, you know. But Aunt Polly said he did know! She said he knew more than anybody else aboutabout broken legs like mine! Yes, yes, I know, dear; but all doctors make mistakes sometimes. Justjust dont think any more about it now please dont, dear. Pollyanna flung out her arms wildly. But I cant help thinking about it, she sobbed. Its all there is now to think about. Why, Miss Hunt, how am I going to school, or to see
Mr. Pendleton, or Mrs. Snow, oror anybody? She caught her breath and sobbed wildly for a moment. Suddenly she stopped and looked up, a new terror in her eyes. Why, Miss Hunt, if I cant walk, how am I ever going to be glad for ANYTHING? Miss Hunt did not know the game; but she did know that her patient must be quieted, and that at once. In spite of her own perturbation and heartache, her hands had not been idle, and she stood now at the bedside with the quieting powder ready. There, there, dear, just take this, she soothed; and by and by well be more rested, and well see what can be done then. Things arent half as bad as they seem, dear, lots of times, you know. Obediently Pollyanna took the medicine, and sipped the water from the glass in Miss Hunts hand. I know; that sounds like things father used to say, faltered Pollyanna, blinking off the tears. He said there was always something about everything that might be worse; but I reckon hed never just heard he couldnt ever walk again. I dont see how there CAN be anything about that, that could be worsedo you? Miss Hunt did not reply. She could not trust herself to speak just then.
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CHAPTER XXVII. TWO VISITS
t was Nancy who was sent to tell Mr. John Pendleton of Dr. Meads verdict. Miss Polly had remembered her promise to let him have direct information from the house. To go herself, or to write a letter, she felt to be almost equally out of the question. It occurred to her then to send Nancy. There had been a time when Nancy would have rejoiced greatly at this extraordinary opportunity to see something of the House of Mystery and its master. But to-day her heart was too heavy to, rejoice at anything. She scarcely even looked about her at all, indeed, during the few minutes, she waited for Mr. John Pendleton to appear. Im Nancy, sir, she said respectfully, in response to the surprised questioning of his eyes, when he came into the room. Miss Harrington sent me to tell you aboutMiss Pollyanna. Well? In spite of the curt terseness of the word, Nancy quite understood the anxiety that lay behind that short well? It aint well, Mr. Pendleton, she choked. You dont mean He paused, and she bowed her head miserably. Yes, sir. He saysshe cant walk againnever.
For a moment there was absolute silence in the room; then the man spoke, in a voice shaken with emotion. Poorlittlegirl! Poorlittlegirl! Nancy glanced at him, but dropped her eyes at once. She had not supposed that sour, cross, stern John Pendleton could look like that. In a moment he spoke again, still in the low, unsteady voice. It seems cruelnever to dance in the sunshine again! My little prism girl! There was another silence; then, abruptly, the man asked: She herself doesnt know yetof coursedoes she? But she does, sir. sobbed Nancy, an thats what makes it all the harder. She found outdrat that cat! I begs yer pardon, apologized the girl, hurriedly. Its only that the cat pushed open the door an Miss Pollyanna overheard em talkin. She found outthat way. Poorlittlegirl! sighed the man again. Yes, sir. Youd say so, sir, if you could see her, choked Nancy. I haint seen her but twice since she knew about it, an it done me up both times. Ye see its all so fresh an new to her, an she keeps thinkin all the time of new things she cant doNOW. It worries her, too, cause she cant seem ter be gladmaybe you dont know about her game, though, broke off Nancy, apologetically. The glad game? asked the man. Oh, yes; she told me of that. Oh, she did! Well, I guess she has told it generally ter most folks. But ye see, now sheshe cant play it herself,
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an it worries her. She says she cant think of a thingnot a thing about this not walkin again, ter be glad about. Well, why should she? retorted the man, almost savagely. Nancy shifted her feet uneasily. Thats the way I felt, tootill I happened ter thinkit WOULD be easier if she could find somethin, ye know. So I tried toto remind her. To remind her! Of what? John Pendletons voice was still angrily impatient. Ofof how she told others ter play it Mis Snow, and the rest, ye knowand what she said for them ter do. But the poor little lamb just cries, an says it dont seem the same, somehow. She says its easy ter TELL lifelong invalids how ter be glad, but taint the same thing when youre the lifelong invalid yerself, an have ter try ter do it. She says shes told herself over an over again how glad she is that other folks aint like her; but that all the time shes sayin it, she aint really THINKIN of anythin only how she cant ever walk again. Nancy paused, but the man did not speak. He sat with his hand over his eyes. Then I tried ter remind her how she used ter say the game was all the nicer ter play whenwhen it was hard, resumed Nancy, in a dull voice. But she says that, too, is diffrentwhen it really IS hard. An I must be goin, now, sir, she broke off abruptly. At the door she hesitated, turned, and asked timidly: I couldnt be tellin Miss Pollyanna thatthat youd seen
Jimmy Bean again, I spose, sir, could I? I dont see how you couldas I havent seen him, observed the man a little shortly. Why? Nothin, sir, onlywell, ye see, thats one of the things that she was feelin bad about, that she couldnt take him ter see you, now. She said shed taken him once, but she didnt think he showed off very well that day, and that she was afraid you didnt think he would make a very nice childs presence, after all. Maybe you know what she means by that; but I didnt, sir. Yes, I knowwhat she means. All right, sir. It was only that she was wantin ter take him again, she said, sos ter show ye he really was a lovely childs presence. And now shecantdrat that autymobile! I begs yer pardon, sir. Good-by! And Nancy fled precipitately. It did not take long for the entire town of Beldingsville to learn that the great New York doctor had said Pollyanna Whittier would never walk again; and certainly never before had the town been so stirred. Everybody knew by sight now the piquant little freckled face that had always a smile of greeting; and almost everybody knew of the game that Pollyanna was playing. To think that now never again would that smiling face be seen on their streetsnever again would that cheery little voice proclaim the gladness of some everyday experience! It seemed unbelievable, impossible, cruel. In kitchens and sitting rooms, and over back-yard fences women talked of it, and wept openly. On street corners and in store lounging-places the men talked, too, and wept
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though not so openly. And neither the talking nor the weeping grew less when fast on the heels of the news itself, came Nancys pitiful story that Pollyanna, face to face with what had come to her, was bemoaning most of all the fact that she could not play the game; that she could not now be glad overanything. It was then that the same thought must have, in some way, come to Pollyannas friends. At all events, almost at once, the mistress of the Harrington homestead, greatly to her surprise, began to receive calls: calls from people she knew, and people she did not know; calls from men, women, and childrenmany of whom Miss Polly had not supposed that her niece knew at all. Some came in and sat down for a stiff five or ten minutes. Some stood awkwardly on the porch steps, fumbling with hats or hand-bags, according to their sex. Some brought a book, a bunch of flowers, or a dainty to tempt the palate. Some cried frankly. Some turned their backs and blew their noses furiously. But all inquired very anxiously for the little injured girl; and all sent to her some messageand it was these messages which, after a time, stirred Miss Polly to action. First came Mr. John Pendleton. He came without his crutches to-day. I dont need to tell you how shocked I am, he began almost harshly. But cannothing be done? Miss Polly gave a gesture of despair. Oh, were doing, of course, all the time. Dr. Mead prescribed certain treatments and medicines that might help,
and Dr. Warren is carrying them out to the letter, of course. ButDr. Mead held out almost no hope. John Pendleton rose abruptlythough he had but just come. His face was white, and his mouth was set into stern lines. Miss Polly, looking at him, knew very well why he felt that he could not stay longer in her presence. At the door he turned. I have a message for Pollyanna, he said. Will you tell her, please, that I have seen Jimmy Bean andthat hes going to be my boy hereafter. Tell her I thought she would be GLAD to know. I shall adopt him, probably. For a brief moment Miss Polly lost her usual well-bred self-control. You will adopt Jimmy Bean! she gasped. The man lifted his chin a little. Yes. I think Pollyanna will understand. You will tell her I thought she would beGLAD! Why, ofof course, faltered Miss Polly. Thank you, bowed John Pendleton, as he turned to go. In the middle of the floor Miss Polly stood, silent and amazed, still looking after the man who had just left her. Even yet she could scarcely believe what her ears had heard. John Pendleton ADOPT Jimmy Bean? John Pendleton, wealthy, independent, morose, reputed to be miserly and supremely selfish, to adopt a little boyand such a little boy? With a somewhat dazed face Miss Polly went up-stairs to Pollyannas room. Pollyanna, I have a message for you from Mr. John Pend10 Pollyanna
leton. He has just been here. He says to tell you he has taken Jimmy Bean for his little boy. He said he thought youd be glad to know it. Pollyannas wistful little face flamed into sudden joy. Glad? GLAD? Well, I reckon I am glad! Oh, Aunt Polly, Ive so wanted to find a place for Jimmyand thats such a lovely place! Besides, Im so glad for Mr. Pendleton, too. You see, now hell have the childs presence. Thewhat? Pollyanna colored painfully. She had forgotten that she had never told her aunt of Mr. Pendletons desire to adopt herand certainly she would not wish to tell her now that she had ever thought for a minute of leaving herthis dear Aunt Polly! The childs presence, stammered Pollyanna, hastily. Mr. Pendleton told me once, you see, that only a womans hand and heart or a childs presence could make aa home. And now hes got itthe childs presence. Oh, Isee, said Miss Polly very gently; and she did seemore than Pollyanna realized. She saw something of the pressure that was probably brought to bear on Pollyanna herself at the time John Pendleton was asking HER to be the childs presence, which was to transform his great pile of gray stone into a home. I see, she finished, her eyes stinging with sudden tears. Pollyanna, fearful that her aunt might ask further embarrassing questions, hastened to lead the conversation away from the Pendleton house and its master. Dr. Chilton says so, toothat it takes a womans hand
and heart, or a childs presence, to make a home, you know, she remarked. Miss Polly turned with a start. DR. CHILTON! How do you knowthat? He told me so. Twas when he said he lived in just rooms, you knownot a home. Miss Polly did not answer. Her eyes were out the window. So I asked him why he didnt get em.a womans hand and heart, and have a home. Pollyanna! Miss Polly had turned sharply. Her cheeks showed a sudden color. Well, I did. He looked soso sorrowful. What did hesay? Miss Polly asked the question as if in spite of some force within her that was urging her not to ask it. He didnt say anything for a minute; then he said very low that you couldnt always get em for the asking. There was a brief silence. Miss Pollys eyes had turned again to the window. Her cheeks were still unnaturally pink. Pollyanna sighed. He wants one, anyhow, I know, and I wish he could have one. Why, Pollyanna, HOW do you know? Because, afterwards, on another day, he said something else. He said that low, too, but I heard him. He said that hed give all the world if he did have one womans hand and heart. Why, Aunt Polly, whats the matter? Aunt Polly had
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risen hurriedly and gone to the window. Nothing, dear. I was changing the position of this prism, said Aunt Polly, whose whole face now was aflame.
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CHAPTER XXVIII. THE GAME AND ITS PLAYERS
t was not long after John Pendletons second visit that Milly Snow called one afternoon. Milly Snow had never before been to the Harrington homestead. She blushed and looked very embarrassed when Miss Polly entered the room. II came to inquire for the little girl, she stammered. You are very kind. She is about the same. How is your mother? rejoined Miss Polly, wearily. That is what I came to tell youthat is, to ask you to tell Miss Pollyanna, hurried on the girl, breathlessly and incoherently. We think itsso awfulso perfectly awful that the little thing cant ever walk again; and after all shes done for us, toofor mother, you know, teaching her to play the game, and all that. And when we heard how now she couldnt play it herselfpoor little dear! Im sure I dont see how she CAN, either, in her condition!but when we remembered all the things shed said to us, we thought if she could only know what she HAD done for us, that it would HELP, you know, in her own case, about the game, because she could be gladthat is, a little glad Milly stopped helplessly, and seemed to be waiting for Miss Polly to speak. Miss Polly had sat politely listening, but with a puzzled
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questioning in her eyes. Only about half of what had been said, had she understood. She was thinking now that she always had known that Milly Snow was queer, but she had not supposed she was crazy. In no other way, however, could she account for this incoherent, illogical, unmeaning rush of words. When the pause came she filled it with a quiet: I dont think I quite understand, Milly. Just what is it that you want me to tell my niece? Yes, thats it; I want you to tell her, answered the girl, feverishly. Make her see what shes done for us. Of course shes SEEN some things, because shes been there, and shes known mother is different; but I want her to know HOW different she isand me, too. Im different. Ive been trying to play itthe gamea little. Miss Polly frowned. She would have asked what Milly meant by this game, but there was no opportunity. Milly was rushing on again with nervous volubility. You know nothing was ever right beforefor mother. She was always wanting em different. And, really, I dont know as one could blame her muchunder the circumstances. But now she lets me keep the shades up, and she takes interest in thingshow she looks, and her nightdress, and all that. And shes actually begun to knit little things reins and baby blankets for fairs and hospitals. And shes so interested, and so GLAD to think she can do it!and that was all Miss Pollyannas doings, you know, cause she told mother she could be glad shed got her hands and arms, anyway; and that made mother wonder right away why she didnt DO something with her hands and arms. And so she
began to do somethingto knit, you know. And you cant think what a different room it is now, what with the red and blue and yellow worsteds, and the prisms in the window that SHE gave herwhy, it actually makes you feel BETTER just to go in there now; and before I used to dread it awfully, it was so dark and gloomy, and mother was soso unhappy, you know. And so we want you to please tell Miss Pollyanna that we understand its all because of her. And please say were so glad we know her, that we thought, maybe if she knew it, it would make her a little glad that she knew us. Andand thats all, sighed Milly, rising hurriedly to her feet. Youll tell her? Why, of course, murmured Miss Polly, wondering just how much of this remarkable discourse she could remember to tell. These visits of John Pendleton and Milly Snow were only the first of many; and always there were the messagesthe messages which were in some ways so curious that they caused Miss Polly more and more to puzzle over them. One day there was the little Widow Benton. Miss Polly knew her well, though they had never called upon each other. By reputation she knew her as the saddest little woman in townone who was always in black. To-day, however, Mrs. Benton wore a knot of pale blue at the throat, though there were tears in her eyes. She spoke of her grief and horror at the accident; then she asked diffidently if she might see Pollyanna. Miss Polly shook her head.
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I am sorry, but she sees no one yet. A little laterperhaps. Mrs. Benton wiped her eyes, rose, and turned to go. But after she had almost reached the hall door she came back hurriedly. Miss Harrington, perhaps, youd give hera message, she stammered. Certainly, Mrs. Benton; I shall be very glad to. Still the little woman hesitated; then she spoke. Will you tell her, please, thatthat Ive put on THIS, she said, just touching the blue bow at her throat. Then, at Miss Pollys ill-concealed look of surprise, she added: The little girl has been trying for so long to make me wearsome color, that I thought shed beglad to know Id begun. She said that Freddy would be so glad to see it, if I would. You know Freddys ALL I have now. The others have all Mrs. Benton shook her head and turned away. If youll just tell PollyannaSHELL understand. And the door closed after her. A little later, that same day, there was the other widowat least, she wore widows garments. Miss Polly did not know her at all. She wondered vaguely how Pollyanna could have known her. The lady gave her name as Mrs. Tarbell. Im a stranger to you, of course, she began at once. But Im not a stranger to your little niece, Pollyanna. Ive been at the hotel all summer, and every day Ive had to take long walks for my health. It was on these walks that Ive met your nieceshes such a dear little girl! I wish I could make you understand what shes been to me. I was very sad when I
came up here; and her bright face and cheery ways reminded me ofmy own little girl that I lost years ago. I was so shocked to hear of the accident; and then when I learned that the poor child would never walk again, and that she was so unhappy because she couldnt be glad any longer the dear child!I just had to come to you. You are very kind, murmured Miss Polly. But it is you who are to be kind, demurred the other. I I want you to give her a message from me. Will you? Certainly. Will you just tell her, then, that Mrs. Tarbell is glad now. Yes, I know it sounds odd, and you dont understand. But if youll pardon me Id rather not explain. Sad lines came to the ladys mouth, and the smile left her eyes. Your niece will know just what I mean; and I felt that I must tellher. Thank you; and pardon me, please, for any seeming rudeness in my call, she begged, as she took her leave. Thoroughly mystified now, Miss Polly hurried up-stairs to Pollyannas room. Pollyanna, do you know a Mrs. Tarbell? Oh, yes. I love Mrs. Tarbell. Shes sick, and awfully sad; and shes at the hotel, and takes long walks. We go together. I meanwe used to. Pollyannas voice broke, and two big tears rolled down her cheeks. Miss Polly cleared her throat hurriedly. Well, shes just been here, dear. She left a message for youbut she wouldnt tell me what it meant. She said to tell you that Mrs. Tarbell is glad now. Pollyanna clapped her hands softly.
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Did she say thatreally? Oh, Im so glad! But, Pollyanna, what did she mean? Why, its the game, and Pollyanna stopped short, her fingers to her lips. What game? N-nothing much, Aunt Polly; that isI cant tell it unless I tell other things thatthat Im not to speak of. It was on Miss Pollys tongue to question her niece further; but the obvious distress on the little girls face stayed the words before they were uttered. Not long after Mrs. Tarbells visit, the climax came. It came in the shape of a call from a certain young woman with unnaturally pink cheeks and abnormally yellow hair; a young woman who wore high heels and cheap jewelry; a young woman whom Miss Polly knew very well by reputationbut whom she was angrily amazed to meet beneath the roof of the Harrington homestead. Miss Polly did not offer her hand. She drew back, indeed, as she entered the room. The woman rose at once. Her eyes were very red, as if she had been crying. Half defiantly she asked if she might, for a moment, see the little girl, Pollyanna. Miss Polly said no. She began to say it very sternly; but something in the womans pleading eyes made her add the civil explanation that no one was allowed yet to see Pollyanna. The woman hesitated; then a little brusquely she spoke. Her chin was still at a slightly defiant tilt. My name is Mrs. PaysonMrs. Tom Payson. I presume
youve heard of memost of the good people in the town haveand maybe some of the things youve heard aint true. But never mind that. Its about the little girl I came. I heard about the accident, andand it broke me all up. Last week I heard how she couldnt ever walk again, andand I wished I could give up my two uselessly well legs for hers. Shed do more good trotting around on em one hour than I could in a hundred years. But never mind that. Legs aint always given to the one who can make the best use of em, I notice. She paused, and cleared her throat; but when she resumed her voice was still husky. Maybe you dont know it, but Ive seen a good deal of that little girl of yours. We live on the Pendleton Hill road, and she used to go by oftenonly she didnt always GO BY. She came in and played with the kids and talked to me and my man, when he was home. She seemed to like it, and to like us. She didnt know, I suspect, that her kind of folks dont generally call on my kind. Maybe if they DID call more, Miss Harrington, there wouldnt be so manyof my kind, she added, with sudden bitterness. Be that as it may, she came; and she didnt do herself no harm, and she did do us gooda lot o good. How much she wont knownor cant know, I hope; cause if she did, shed know other thingsthat I dont want her to know. But its just this. Its been hard times with us this year, in more ways than one. Weve been blue and discouragedmy man and me, and ready formost anything. We was reckoning on getting a divorce about now, and letting the kids well, we didnt know what we would do with the kids, Then
0 Pollyanna
came the accident, and what we heard about the little girls never walking again. And we got to thinking how she used to come and sit on our doorstep and train with the kids, and laugh, andand just be glad. She was always being glad about something; and then, one day, she told us why, and about the game, you know; and tried to coax us to play it. Well, weve heard now that shes fretting her poor little life out of her, because she cant play it no morethat theres nothing to be glad about. And thats what I came to tell her to-daythat maybe she can be a little glad for us, cause weve decided to stick to each other, and play the game ourselves. I knew she would be glad, because she used to feel kind of badat things we said, sometimes. Just how the game is going to help us, I cant say that I exactly see, yet; but maybe twill. Anyhow, were going to trycause she wanted us to. Will you tell her? Yes, I will tell her, promised Miss Polly, a little faintly. Then, with sudden impulse, she stepped forward and held out her hand. And thank you for coming, Mrs. Payson, she said simply. The defiant chin fell. The lips above it trembled visibly. With an incoherently mumbled something, Mrs. Payson blindly clutched at the outstretched hand, turned, and fled. The door had scarcely closed behind her before Miss Polly was confronting Nancy in the kitchen. Nancy! Miss Polly spoke sharply. The series of puzzling, disconcerting visits of the last few days, culminating as they had in the extraordinary experience of the afternoon, had
strained her nerves to the snapping point. Not since Miss Pollyannas accident had Nancy heard her mistress speak so sternly. Nancy, WILL you tell me what this absurd game is that the whole town seems to be babbling about? And what, please, has my niece to do with it? WHY does everybody, from Milly Snow to Mrs. Tom Payson, send word to her that theyre playing it? As near as I can judge, half the town are putting on blue ribbons, or stopping family quarrels, or learning to like something they never liked before, and all because of Pollyanna. I tried to ask the child herself about it, but I cant seem to make much headway, and of course I dont like to worry hernow. But from something I heard her say to you last night, I should judge you were one of them, too. Now WILL you tell me what it all means? To Miss Pollys surprise and dismay, Nancy burst into tears. It means that ever since last June that blessed child has jest been makin the whole town glad, an now theyre turnin round an tryin ter make her a little glad, too. Glad of what? Just glad! Thats the game. Miss Polly actually stamped her foot. There you go like all the rest, Nancy. What game? Nancy lifted her chin. She faced her mistress and looked her squarely in the eye. Ill tell ye, maam. Its a game Miss Pollyannas father learned her ter play. She got a pair of crutches once in a missionary barrel when she was wantin a doll; an she cried, of
Pollyanna
course, like any child would. It seems twas then her father told her that there wasnt ever anythin but what there was somethin about it that you could be glad about; an that she could be glad about them crutches. Glad forCRUTCHES! Miss Polly choked back a sobshe was thinking of the helpless little legs on the bed up-stairs. Yesm. Thats what I said, an Miss Pollyanna said thats what she said, too. But he told her she COULD be glad cause she DIDNT NEED EM. Oh-h! cried Miss Polly. And after that she said he made a regular game of itfindin somethin in everythin ter be glad about. An she said ye could do it, too, and that ye didnt seem ter mind not havin the doll so much, cause ye was so glad ye DIDNT need the crutches. An they called it the jest bein glad game. Thats the game, maam. Shes played it ever since. But, howhow Miss Polly came to a helpless pause. An youd be surprised ter find how cute it works, maam, too, maintained Nancy, with almost the eagerness of Pollyanna herself. I wish I could tell ye what a lot shes done for mother an the folks out home. Shes been ter see em, ye know, twice, with me. Shes made me glad, too, on such a lot o thingslittle things, an big things; an its made em so much easier. For instance, I dont mind Nancy for a name half as much since she told me I could be glad twant Hephzibah. An theres Monday mornins, too, that I used ter hate so. Shes actually made me glad for Monday mornins. Gladfor Monday mornings!
Nancy laughed. I know it does sound nutty, maam. But let me tell ye. That blessed lamb found out I hated Monday mornins somethin awful; an what does she up an tell me one day but this: Well, anyhow, Nancy, I should think you could be gladder on Monday mornin than on any other day in the week, because twould be a whole WEEK before youd have another one! An Im blest if I haint thought of it evry Monday mornin sincean it HAS helped, maam. It made me laugh, anyhow, evry time I thought of it; an laughin helps, ye knowit does, it does! But why hasntshe told methe game? faltered Miss Polly. Why has she made such a mystery of it, when I asked her? Nancy hesitated. Beggin yer pardon, maam, you told her not ter speak ofher father; so she couldnt tell ye. Twas her fathers game, ye see. Miss Polly bit her lip. She wanted ter tell ye, first off, continued Nancy, a little unsteadily. She wanted somebody ter play it with, ye know. Thats why I begun it, so she could have some one. Andandthese others? Miss Pollys voice shook now. Oh, evrybody, most, knows it now, I guess. Anyhow, I should think they did from the way Im hearin of it evrywhere I go. Of course she told a lot, and they told the rest. Them things go, ye know, when they gets started. An she was always so smilin an pleasant ter evry one, an soso jest glad herself all the time, that they couldnt help
Pollyanna
knowin it, anyhow. Now, since shes hurt, evrybody feels so badspecially when they heard how bad SHE feels cause she cant find anythin ter be glad about. An so theyve been comin evry day ter tell her how glad shes made THEM, hopin thatll help some. Ye see, shes always wanted evrybody ter play the game with her. Well, I know somebody wholl play itnow, choked Miss Polly, as she turned and sped through the kitchen doorway. Behind her, Nancy stood staring amazedly. Well, Ill believe anythinanythin now, she muttered to herself. Ye cant stump me with anythin I wouldnt believe, nowo Miss Polly! A little later, in Pollyannas room, the nurse left Miss Polly and Pollyanna alone together. And youve had still another caller to-day, my dear, announced Miss Polly, in a voice she vainly tried to steady. Do you remember Mrs. Payson? Mrs. Payson? Why, I reckon I do! She lives on the way to Mr. Pendletons, and shes got the prettiest little girl baby three years old, and a boy most five. Shes awfully nice, and sos her husbandonly they dont seem to know how nice each other is. Sometimes they fightI mean, they dont quite agree. Theyre poor, too, they say, and of course they dont ever have barrels, cause he isnt a missionary minister, you know, likewell, he isnt. A faint color stole into Pollyannas cheeks which was duplicated suddenly in those of her aunt. But she wears real pretty clothes, sometimes, in spite
of their being so poor, resumed Pollyanna, in some haste. And shes got perfectly beautiful rings with diamonds and rubies and emeralds in them; but she says shes got one ring too many, and that shes going to throw it away and get a divorce instead. What is a divorce, Aunt Polly? Im afraid it isnt very nice, because she didnt look happy when she talked about it. And she said if she did get it, they wouldnt live there any more, and that Mr. Payson would go way off, and maybe the children, too. But I should think theyd rather keep the ring, even if they did have so many more. Shouldnt you? Aunt Polly, what is a divorce? But they arent going way off, dear, evaded Aunt Polly, hurriedly. Theyre going to stay right there together. Oh, Im so glad! Then theyll be there when I go up to seeO dear! broke off the little girl, miserably. Aunt Polly, why CANT I remember that my legs dont go any more, and that I wont ever, ever go up to see Mr. Pendleton again? There, there, dont, choked her aunt. Perhaps youll drive up sometime. But listen! I havent told you, yet, all that Mrs. Payson said. She wanted me to tell you that theythey were going to stay together and to play the game, just as you wanted them to. Pollyanna smiled through tear-wet eyes. Did they? Did they, really? Oh, I am glad of that! Yes, she said she hoped youd be. Thats why she told you, to make youGLAD, Pollyanna. Pollyanna looked up quickly. Why, Aunt Polly, youyou spoke just as if you knew DO you know about the game, Aunt Polly?
Pollyanna
Yes, dear. Miss Polly sternly forced her voice to be cheerfully matter-of-fact. Nancy told me. I think its a beautiful game. Im going to play it nowwith you. Oh, Aunt PollyYOU? Im so glad! You see, Ive really wanted you most of anybody, all the time. Aunt Polly caught her breath a little sharply. It was even harder this time to keep her voice steady; but she did it. Yes, dear; and there are all those others, too. Why, Pollyanna, I think all the town is playing that game now with youeven to the minister! I havent had a chance to tell you, yet, but this morning I met Mr. Ford when I was down to the village, and he told me to say to you that just as soon as you could see him, he was coming to tell you that he hadnt stopped being glad over those eight hundred rejoicing texts that you told him about. So you see, dear, its just you that have done it. The whole town is playing the game, and the whole town is wonderfully happierand all because of one little girl who taught the people a new game, and how to play it. Pollyanna clapped her hands. Oh, Im so glad, she cried. Then, suddenly, a wonderful light illumined her face. Why, Aunt Polly, there IS something I can be glad about, after all. I can be glad Ive HAD my legs, anywayelse I couldnt have donethat!

CHAPTER XXIX. THROUGH AN OPEN WINDOW

ne by one the short winter days came and wentbut they were not short to Pollyanna. They were long, and sometimes full of pain. Very resolutely, these days, however, Pollyanna was turning a cheerful face toward whatever came. Was she not specially bound to play the game, now that Aunt Polly was playing it, too? And Aunt Polly found so many things to be glad about! It was Aunt Polly, too, who discovered the story one day about the two poor little waifs in a snow-storm who found a blown-down door to crawl under, and who wondered what poor folks did that didnt have any door! And it was Aunt Polly who brought home the other story that she had heard about the poor old lady who had only two teeth, but who was so glad that those two teeth hit! Pollyanna now, like Mrs. Snow, was knitting wonderful things out of bright colored worsteds that trailed their cheery lengths across the white spread, and made Pollyannaagain like Mrs. Snowso glad she had her hands and arms, anyway. Pollyanna saw people now, occasionally, and always there were the loving messages from those she could not see; and always they brought her something new to think
Pollyanna
aboutand Pollyanna needed new things to think about. Once she had seen John Pendleton, and twice she had seen Jimmy Bean. John Pendleton had told her what a fine boy Jimmy was getting to be, and how well he was doing. Jimmy had told her what a first-rate home he had, and what bang-up folks Mr. Pendleton made; and both had said that it was all owing to her. Which makes me all the gladder, you know, that I HAVE had my legs, Pollyanna confided to her aunt afterwards. The winter passed, and spring came. The anxious watchers over Pollyannas condition could see little change wrought by the prescribed treatment. There seemed every reason to believe, indeed, that Dr. Meads worst fears would be realizedthat Pollyanna would never walk again. Beldingsville, of course, kept itself informed concerning Pollyanna; and of Beldingsville, one man in particular fumed and fretted himself into a fever of anxiety over the daily bulletins which he managed in some way to procure from the bed of suffering. As the days passed, however, and the news came to be no better, but rather worse, something besides anxiety began to show in the mans face: despair, and a very dogged determination, each fighting for the mastery. In the end, the dogged determination won; and it was then that Mr. John Pendleton, somewhat to his surprise, received one Saturday morning a call from Dr. Thomas Chilton. Pendleton, began the doctor, abruptly, Ive come to you because you, better than any one else in town, know something of my relations with Miss Polly Harrington. John Pendleton was conscious that he must have started
visiblyhe did know something of the affair between Polly Harrington and Thomas Chilton, but the matter had not been mentioned between them for fifteen years, or more. Yes, he said, trying to make his voice sound concerned enough for sympathy, and not eager enough for curiosity. In a moment he saw that he need not have worried, however: the doctor was quite too intent on his errand to notice how that errand was received. Pendleton, I want to see that child. I want to make an examination. I MUST make an examination. Wellcant you? CANT I! Pendleton, you know very well I havent been inside that door for more than fifteen years. You dont knowbut I will tell youthat the mistress of that house told me that the NEXT time she ASKED me to enter it, I might take it that she was begging my pardon, and that all would be as beforewhich meant that shed marry me. Perhaps you see her summoning me nowbut I dont! But couldnt you gowithout a summons? The doctor frowned. Well, hardly. I have some pride, you know. But if youre so anxiouscouldnt you swallow your pride and forget the quarrel Forget the quarrel! interrupted the doctor, savagely. Im not talking of that kind of pride. So far as THAT is concerned, Id go from here there on my kneesor on my headif that would do any good. Its PROFESSIONAL pride Im talking about. Its a case of sickness, and Im a doctor. I cant butt in and say, Here, take me!can I?
0 Pollyanna
Chilton, what was the quarrel? demanded Pendleton. The doctor made an impatient gesture, and got to his feet. What was it? Whats any lovers quarrel after its over? he snarled, pacing the room angrily. A silly wrangle over the size of the moon or the depth of a river, maybeit might as well be, so far as its having any real significance compared to the years of misery that follow them! Never mind the quarrel! So far as I am concerned, I am willing to say there was no quarrel. Pendleton, I must see that child. It may mean life or death. It will meanI honestly believe nine chances out of ten that Pollyanna Whittier will walk again! The words were spoken clearly, impressively; and they were spoken just as the one who uttered them had almost reached the open window near John Pendletons chair. Thus it happened that very distinctly they reached the ears of a small boy kneeling beneath the window on the ground outside. Jimmy Bean, at his Saturday morning task of pulling up the first little green weeds of the flowerbeds, sat up with ears and eyes wide open. Walk! Pollyanna! John Pendleton was saying. What do you mean? I mean that from what I can hear and learna mile from her bedsidethat her case is very much like one that a college friend of mine has just helped. For years hes been making this sort of thing a special study. Ive kept in touch with him, and studied, too, in a way. And from what I hear
but I want to SEE the girl! John Pendleton came erect in his chair. You must see her, man! Couldnt yousay, through Dr. Warren? The other shook his head. Im afraid not. Warren has been very decent, though. He told me himself that he suggested consultation with me at the first, butMiss Harrington said no so decisively that he didnt dare venture it again, even though he knew of my desire to see the child. Lately, some of his best patients have come over to meso of course that ties my hands still more effectually. But, Pendleton, Ive got to see that child! Think of what it may mean to herif I do! Yes, and think of what it will meanif you dont! retorted Pendleton. But how can Iwithout a direct request from her aunt? which Ill never get! She must be made to ask you! How? I dont know. No, I guess you dontnor anybody else. Shes too proud and too angry to ask meafter what she said years ago it would mean if she did ask me. But when I think of that child, doomed to lifelong misery, and when I think that maybe in my hands lies a chance of escape, but for that confounded nonsense we call pride and professional etiquette, I He did not finish his sentence, but with his hands thrust deep into his pockets, he turned and began to tramp up and down the room again, angrily.
Pollyanna
But if she could be made to seeto understand, urged John Pendleton. Yes; and whos going to do it? demanded the doctor, with a savage turn. I dont know, I dont know, groaned the other, miserably. Outside the window Jimmy Bean stirred suddenly. Up to now he had scarcely breathed, so intently had he listened to every word. Well, by Jinks, I know! he whispered, exultingly. IM a-goin ter do it! And forthwith he rose to his feet, crept stealthily around the corner of the house, and ran with all his might down Pendleton Hill.

CHAPTER XXX. JIMMY TAKES THE HELM
ts Jimmy Bean. He wants ter see ye, maam, announced Nancy in the doorway. Me? rejoined Miss Polly, plainly surprised. Are you sure he did not mean Miss Pollyanna? He may see her a few minutes to-day, if he likes. Yesm. I told him. But he said it was you he wanted. Very well, Ill come down. And Miss Polly arose from her chair a little wearily. In the sitting room she found waiting for her a roundeyed, flushed-faced boy, who began to speak at once. Maam, I spose its dreadfulwhat Im doin, an what Im sayin; but I cant help it. Its for Pollyanna, and Id walk over hot coals for her, or face you, oror anythin like that, any time. An I think you would, too, if you thought there was a chance for her ter walk again. An so thats why I come ter tell ye that as long as its only pride an etet-somethin thats keepin Pollyanna from walkin, why I knew you WOULD ask Dr. Chilton here if you understood Wh-at? interrupted Miss Polly, the look of stupefaction on her face changing to one of angry indignation. Jimmy sighed despairingly. There, I didnt mean ter make ye mad. Thats why I be Pollyanna
gun by tellin ye about her walkin again. I thought youd listen ter that. Jimmy, what are you talking about? Jimmy sighed again. Thats what Im tryin ter tell ye. Well, then tell me. But begin at the beginning, and be sure I understand each thing as you go. Dont plunge into the middle of it as you did beforeand mix everything all up! Jimmy wet his lips determinedly. Well, ter begin with, Dr. Chilton come ter see Mr. Pendleton, an they talked in the library. Do you understand that? Yes, Jimmy. Miss Pollys voice was rather faint. Well, the window was open, and I was weedin the flower-bed under it; an I heard em talk. Oh, Jimmy! LISTENING? Twant about me, an twant sneak listenin, bridled Jimmy. And Im glad I listened. You will be when I tell ye. Why, it may make Pollyannawalk! Jimmy, what do you mean? Miss Polly was leaning forward eagerly. There, I told ye so, nodded Jimmy, contentedly. Well, Dr. Chilton knows some doctor somewhere that can cure Pollyanna, he thinksmake her walk, ye know; but he cant tell sure till he SEES her. And he wants ter see her somethin awful, but he told Mr. Pendleton that you wouldnt let him. Miss Pollys face turned very red. But, Jimmy, II cantI couldnt! That is, I didnt know!
Miss Polly was twisting her fingers together helplessly. Yes, an thats what I come ter tell ye, so you WOULD know, asserted Jimmy, eagerly. They said that for some reasonI didnt rightly catch whatyou wouldnt let Dr. Chilton come, an you told Dr. Warren so; an Dr. Chilton couldnt come himself, without you asked him, on account of pride an professional etetwell, et-somethin anyway. An they was wishin somebody could make you understand, only they didnt know who could; an I was outside the winder, an I says ter myself right away, By Jinks, Ill do it! An I comean have I made ye understand? Yes; but, Jimmy, about that doctor, implored Miss Polly, feverishly. Who was he? What did he do? Are they SURE he could make Pollyanna walk? I dont know who he was. They didnt say. Dr. Chilton knows him, an hes just cured somebody just like her, Dr. Chilton thinks. Anyhow, they didnt seem ter be doin no worryin about HIM. Twas YOU they was worryin about, cause you wouldnt let Dr. Chilton see her. An sayyou will let him come. wont you?now you understand? Miss Polly turned her head from side to side. Her breath was coming in little uneven, rapid gasps. Jimmy, watching her with anxious eyes, thought she was going to cry. But she did not cry. After a minute she said brokenly: YesIll letDr. Chiltonsee her. Now run home, Jimmyquick! Ive got to speak to Dr. Warren. Hes up-stairs now. I saw him drive in a few minutes ago. A little later Dr. Warren was surprised to meet an agitated, flushed-faced Miss Polly in the hall. He was still more
Pollyanna
surprised to hear the lady say, a little breathlessly: Dr. Warren, you asked me once to allow Dr. Chilton to be called in consultation, andI refused. Since then I have reconsidered. I very much desire that you SHOULD call in Dr. Chilton. Will you not ask him at onceplease? Thank you.

CHAPTER XXXI. A NEW UNCLE
he next time Dr. Warren entered the chamber where Pollyanna lay watching the dancing shimmer of color on the ceiling, a tall, broad-shouldered man followed close behind him. Dr. Chilton!oh, Dr. Chilton, how glad I am to see YOU! cried Pollyanna. And at the joyous rapture of the voice, more than one pair of eyes in the room brimmed hot with sudden tears. But, of course, if Aunt Polly doesnt want It is all right, my dear; dont worry, soothed Miss Polly, agitatedly, hurrying forward. I have told Dr. Chilton that that I want him to look you overwith Dr. Warren, this morning. Oh, then you asked him to come, murmured Pollyanna, contentedly. Yes, dear, I asked him. That is But it was too late. The adoring happiness that had leaped to Dr. Chiltons eyes was unmistakable and Miss Polly had seen it. With very pink cheeks she turned and left the room hurriedly. Over in the window the nurse and Dr. Warren were talking earnestly. Dr. Chilton held out both his hands to Pollyanna.
Pollyanna
Little girl, Im thinking that one of the very gladdest jobs you ever did has been done to-day, he said in a voice shaken with emotion. At twilight a wonderfully tremulous, wonderfully different Aunt Polly crept to Pollyannas bedside. The nurse was at supper. They had the room to themselves. Pollyanna, dear, Im going to tell youthe very first one of all. Some day Im going to give Dr. Chilton to you for youruncle. And its you that have done it all. Oh, Pollyanna, Im sohappy! And soglad!darling! Pollyanna began to clap her hands; but even as she brought her small palms together the first time, she stopped, and held them suspended. Aunt Polly, Aunt Polly, WERE you the womans hand and heart he wanted so long ago? You wereI know you were! And thats what he meant by saying Id done the gladdest job of allto-day. Im so glad! Why, Aunt Polly, I dont know but Im so glad that I dont mindeven my legs, now! Aunt Polly swallowed a sob. Perhaps, some day, dear But Aunt Polly did not finish. Aunt Polly did not dare to tell, yet, the great hope that Dr. Chilton had put into her heart. But she did say thisand surely this was quite wonderful enoughto Pollyannas mind: Pollyanna, next week youre going to take a journey. On a nice comfortable little bed youre going to be carried in cars and carriages to a great doctor who has a big house many miles from here made on purpose for just such people
as you are. Hes a dear friend of Dr. Chiltons, and were going to see what he can do for you!
0
Pollyanna
CHAPTER XXXII. WHICH IS A LETTER FROM POLLYANNA
ear Aunt Polly and Uncle Tom:Oh, I canI canI CAN walk! I did to-day all the way from my bed to the window! It was six steps. My, how good it was to be on legs again! All the doctors stood around and smiled, and all the nurses stood beside of them and cried. A lady in the next ward who walked last week first, peeked into the door, and another one who hopes she can walk next month, was invited in to the party, and she laid on my nurses bed and clapped her hands. Even Black Tilly who washes the floor, looked through the piazza window and called me Honey, child when she wasnt crying too much to call me anything. I dont see why they cried. I wanted to sing and shout and yell! Ohohoh! just think, I can walkwalk WALK! Now I dont mind being here almost ten months, and I didnt miss the wedding, anyhow. Wasnt that just like you, Aunt Polly, to come on here and get married right beside my bed, so I could see you. You always do think of the gladdest things!
Pretty soon, they say, I shall go home. I wish I could walk all the way there. I do. I dont think I shall ever want to ride anywhere any more. It will be so good just to walk. Oh, Im so glad! Im glad for everything. Why, Im glad now I lost my legs for a while, for you never, never know how perfectly lovely legs are till you havent got themthat go, I mean. Im going to walk eight steps to-morrow. With heaps of love to everybody, POLLYANNA.

Pollyanna

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Pollyanna

CHAPTER I. MISS POLLY

CHAPTER II. OLD TOM AND NANCY

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CHAPTER III. THE COMING OF POLLYANNA

CHAPTER IV. THE LITTLE ATTIC ROOM

CHAPTER V. THE GAME

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CHAPTER VI. A QUESTION OF DUTY

CHAPTER VII. POLLYANNA AND PUNISHMENTS

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CHAPTER VIII. POLLYANNA PAYS A VISIT

CHAPTER IX. WHICH TELLS OF THE MAN

CHAPTER X. A SURPRISE FOR MRS. SNOW

CHAPTER XI. INTRODUCING JIMMY

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CHAPTER XII. BEFORE THE LADIES AID

CHAPTER XIII. IN PENDLETON WOODS

CHAPTER XIV. JUST A MATTER OF JELLY

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CHAPTER XV. DR. CHILTON

CHAPTER XVI. A RED ROSE AND A LACE SHAWL

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CHAPTER XVII. JUST LIKE A BOOK

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CHAPTER XVIII. PRISMS

CHAPTER XIX. WHICH IS SOMEWHAT SURPRISING

CHAPTER XX. WHICH IS MORE SURPRISING

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CHAPTER XXI. A QUESTION ANSWERED

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CHAPTER XXII. SERMONS AND WOODBOXES

CHAPTER XXIII. AN ACCIDENT

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CHAPTER XXIV. JOHN PENDLETON

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CHAPTER XXV. A WAITING GAME

CHAPTER XXVI. A DOOR AJAR

CHAPTER XXVII. TWO VISITS

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CHAPTER XXVIII. THE GAME AND ITS PLAYERS

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CHAPTER XXIX. THROUGH AN OPEN WINDOW

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CHAPTER XXX. JIMMY TAKES THE HELM

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CHAPTER XXXI. A NEW UNCLE

CHAPTER XXXII. WHICH IS A LETTER FROM POLLYANNA

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